In a robust display of presidential authority, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to the thirty-six State Governors of the Federation, asserting that he will not hesitate to “wield the big stick” should they attempt to frustrate the financial independence of Local Government Councils.
Addressing the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the capital on Friday, the President laid down a definitive marker on the implementation of the recent Supreme Court judgment granting fiscal autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
With a rhetorical flourish that underscored his executive resolve, President Tinubu reminded the gathered governors that while he prefers the path of mutual respect, his patience is not infinite.
“Now that you have elections at the local government level, you are the invigilators,” the President remarked. “Since you elected them, it means you must let them work. Give them their money. If you do not, I can issue the Executive Order, because I hold both the yam and the knife.”
The President’s “yam and knife” metaphor a traditional Nigerian idiom denoting absolute control over resources signalled a shift from consultative leadership to a more assertive enforcement of the rule of law. He insisted that the ultimate authority remains the Supreme Court, whose verdict on autonomy must be held sacrosanct.
Beyond the fiscal skirmish with the states, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to internal security. He confirmed that the federal government is proceeding with the establishment of State Police and ‘Forest Rangers’ to dismantle the reign of terrorists across the country. “We must defeat the terrorists,” he declared. “We must.”
Reflecting on his own political journey, the President described his emergence in 2023 as an act of divine providence. “I am the symbol, and without God, I would not be here,” he said, urging NEC members to listen to their conscience and remain resolute in ensuring that the Fourth Republic does not falter.
The President also exercised his legislative veto in absentia, informing the National Assembly that the Central Gaming Bill 2025 currently under deliberation would not receive his assent. He argued that the matter falls under the residual list of the Executive and is not within the legislature’s immediate purview for such a bill.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, added a layer of political steel to the proceedings, dismissing any potential challenges to the President’s 2027 re-election bid as “suicidal.”
“Only a fool hell-bent on a suicidal path or an outright impostor can dare to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election,” the Vice President stated. He further cautioned that elections are won through credibility and coalitions, not by “noise on social media platforms like X or Facebook.”
The Progressive Governors’ Forum, led by Senator Hope Uzodinma, formally passed a vote of confidence in the President, citing stabilising petrol prices, receding inflation, and an increase in foreign reserves as hallmarks of a successful first two and a half years in office.
Following the high-stakes meeting, the Presidency announced that Mr Tinubu will depart Abuja today for a multi-state tour. The President is scheduled to visit Borno State to inaugurate projects undertaken by Governor Babagana Zulum and attend the wedding of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’s son.
His itinerary continues to Bauchi to offer condolences following the passing of the revered cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, before proceeding to Lagos for the end-of-year holidays. In Lagos, the President is expected to be the Guest of Honour at the Eyo Festival on 27th December, an event that will pay tribute to his late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, and other distinguished former governors.
