LP calls on Tinubu to Invoked Executive order against Dapo Abiodun Constitutional Impunity and Financial Recklessness

LP calls on Tinubu to Invoked Executive order against Dapo Abiodun Constitutional Impunity and Financial Recklessness

 

A CLARION CALL ON PRESIDENT TINUBU ON THE URGENT NEED TO SAFEGUARD LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY AMIDST GOVERNOR DAPO ABIODUN EXECUTIVE LAWLESSNESS

…… WE URGE THE PRESIDENT TO DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY ON ANY FURTHER CONSTITUTIONAL INFRACTIONS

…….. A NEW DAWN COMING IN 2027 WITH DR SEGUN SHOWUNMI P.hd LED ADMINISTRATION UNDER LABOUR PARTY IN OGUN STATE

 

We have observed, with serious concern, the persistent and wilful subversion of local government autonomy by state governors across the federation, in direct contempt of a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The recent remarks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging the necessity for an Executive Order to compel compliance, while welcome, have not been met with corresponding action. We therefore call for immediate and decisive presidential intervention to end this debilitating practice.

The Supreme Court’s ruling of July 11, 2024, was unequivocal. It affirmed the constitutional imperative for the direct allocation of funds from the Federation Account to Local Government Councils, freeing them from the stranglehold of state governors through the notorious State Joint Local Government Account.

This judgment was a victory for democracy, development, and the Nigerian people at the grassroots. It is therefore utterly distressing to see governors, particularly those of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), treating this apex court order with open disdain.

This not only disrespects President Tinubu, who has steadfastly championed local government autonomy to accelerate grassroots development nationwide, but also represents an affront to the Apex Court.

Consider the recent action of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. The presentation of vehicles to Local Government Chairmen under the guise of festive support ultimately highlights a deeper issue of tokenism and financial opacity. This raises a critical question: If these chairmen are indeed receiving their full, constitutionally-mandated allocations, why would they depend on the governor for essential operational resources?This action reinforces the perception of Local Governments as subordinate entities, reliant on state level benevolence for basic administrative tools after their legitimate funding appears to have been diverted or delayed.

This model is unacceptable. It breeds corruption, stifles local initiative, and impoverishes our communities. When a governor procures vehicles and distributes them at a value open to question, it replaces transparent procurement with opaque patronage.

It is a system designed to keep Local Government Chairmen subservient, accountable to the governor rather than to the electorate that put them in office.

Therefore, the Labour Party urgently calls on President Bola Tinubu to move beyond warnings and immediately sign an Executive Order mandating the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to bypass state governments and remit all Local Government allocations directly to the accounts of the duly elected Local Government Councils.

The President’s own acknowledgment that he holds “the knife and the yam” must now translate into action that cuts through this entrenched impunity. Further delay is an affront to the Supreme Court and a betrayal of the millions of Nigerians who deserve functional governance at the closest level.

Furthermore, we issue a stern warning to outgoing Governor Dapo Abiodun and all governors engaged in this unconstitutional withholding of funds to desist from it immediately.

Ogun State come May 29th 2027 with Dr Segun Showunmi P.hd as Governor of Ogun State under Labour Party administration is resolutely committed to good governance and accountability . We promise the people of ogun state that we will respect the rule of law and abide by all extant Judgment of Supreme Court .
Ogun state workers and all the civil servants shall have their rightful place in Governance with utmost respect that will restored their loss dignity as witnessed under Dapo Abiodun Administration

Be also informed that a Labour Party administration in Ogun State under Dr Segun Showunmi P.hd come May 29th 2027 and indeed in any state where we assume office, will not hesitate to institute comprehensive and forensic probes into the local government funds management of previous administrations.

All anomalies, including questionable transactions, inflated contracts, and the diversion of funds meant for grassroots development, will be thoroughly investigated, and those found culpable will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Local Government autonomy is not a privilege to be granted by governors; it is a constitutional right. It is the bedrock of true development. We stand with the Nigerian people in demanding that this right be respected. The President must act now to enforce the law, protect our democracy, and liberate the local governments from the shackles of overbearing state governors.

We have therefore directed our legal team in collaboration with reputable civil society organisations to prepare a comprehensive dossier for the EFCC, detailing the financial allocations of local governments.

Each Local Government Chairman will be held individually responsible and must prepare to present verifiable records of expenditure and project execution. This is a non negotiable demand for transparency and a final warning before legal actions.

Concurrently, we implore the President to exercise his executive authority. A decisive declaration of a state of emergency is now imperative to serve as the ultimate deterrent against any future acts that undermine our nation’s constitutional framework and the rule of law.

Signed

Dr Arabambi Abayomi (FBAU)

National Vice Chairman
Southwest LP