In a pointed statement posted on his Mata Page on Wednesday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly disregarding a binding Supreme Court ruling regarding financial autonomy for local governments.
Atiku’s remarks come as the current administration approaches the two-year mark, during which he claims the government has deliberately ignored the court’s directive to implement direct allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to local governments.
Atiku’s statement underscores his belief that the refusal to enforce this ruling is not merely a delay but a calculated act of defiance. He accuses President Tinubu of using this non-compliance as a strategic political move to manipulate opposition governors into joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), while simultaneously exerting control over governors within his own party.
“The Constitution has been reduced to a tool of convenience, and governance has been turned into a game of partisan bargaining,” Atiku asserts. He stresses that Supreme Court judgments are final and must be adhered to, warning that failing to do so constitutes a direct breach of the Constitution and a violation of the presidential oath to protect the law.
Highlighting the crucial role of local governments as the closest arm of governance to the citizens, Atiku argues that withholding their financial autonomy ultimately harms communities rather than weakening state governors. He points to the dire consequences of this inaction, including deteriorating infrastructure, abandoned health centres, and unpaid salaries—issues he claims are a result of deliberate choices rather than mere oversight.
Atiku calls for immediate action, urging President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the Supreme Court ruling without delay. He warns that continued inaction sends a troubling message: that political dominance is prioritised over constitutional obligations, and that the suffering of ordinary Nigerians is secondary to regime survival.
“Nigeria deserves leadership that respects and upholds the law,” Atiku concludes, reinforcing his stance that the current administration’s approach is a disservice to the nation. As the political landscape continues to evolve, this statement adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on governance, legal compliance, and the welfare of Nigerians.
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