ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of the Tinubu administration, accusing the presidency of “open refusal” to implement the landmark Supreme Court judgment regarding local government financial autonomy.
Taking to his official Facebook page, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate warned that the Federal Government’s failure to bypass state joint accounts and pay local councils directly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) is a direct assault on the rule of law.
The Core of the Dispute
The Supreme Court had previously ruled that local governments must receive their funds directly to ensure they can operate independently of state governors. However, Atiku claims that as of now, the directive remains a “dead letter.”
“By mid-2026, this administration would have spent two years without enforcing a final court order,” Atiku warned, noting that the delay is no longer administrative but intentional.
The Human Cost of “Non-Compliance”
Atiku argued that this legal standoff isn’t just a political debate—it’s hurting everyday Nigerians. He linked the withholding of direct funds to:
- Unpaid Salaries: Local government workers facing mounting debts.
- Decaying Infrastructure: Abandoned primary healthcare clinics and dilapidated rural roads.
- Economic Hardship: Increased suffering in communities where local government presence is most needed.
“Political Bargaining Chips”
The former Vice President went a step further, alleging a more strategic motive behind the delay. He claimed the presidency is using the implementation of the judgment as a bargaining tool to pressure state governors and tighten party control across the country.
The Final Call
Atiku concluded by calling on President Bola Tinubu to immediately direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the ruling. He emphasized that ignoring a final judgment from the nation’s highest court sends a dangerous message about accountability and weakens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
