President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Governors and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take a decisive stand in favor of state police and the full implementation of local government financial autonomy.
Speaking at the 14th meeting of the APC National Caucus in Abuja, the President emphasized that the party’s significant political influence must be translated into transformative governance that directly impacts the lives of Nigerians at the grassroots.
President Tinubu reinforced his administration’s commitment to the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government independence, stating that “there is no autonomy without a funded mandate.” He insisted that statutory allocations must be paid directly to local councils to empower them to address infrastructure, security, and healthcare challenges effectively.
“We will give them their money directly. That is compliance with the Supreme Court,” the President declared, challenging governors to move beyond judicial pronouncements and ensure practical implementation within their respective states.
State Police: A Solution to Insecurity Addressing the nation’s security challenges, the President reaffirmed his resolve to establish state police. He disclosed that he has already communicated this commitment to international partners in the United States and Europe, expressing confidence that with the APC’s majority in the National Assembly, the necessary legislative reforms are within reach.
“I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen,” President Tinubu said, adding that failure to reform the security architecture is not an option for his administration.
Strengthening Party Unity and Inclusion: The President also used the platform to call for internal cohesion and greater gender inclusion within the party’s leadership structures. He urged members to prioritize reconciliation and collective action to sustain the party’s momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, echoing the President’s call, warned against political complacency. He described the APC as a “national force” that must continue to innovate and deliver on its promises to remain the political home of all Nigerians.
