By Michael Oche
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resist pressure from state governors seeking to block the direct disbursement of federal allocations to Local Government Councils.
Speaking in Abuja, NULGE President General, Comrade Akeem Ambali Olatunji, emphasized that implementing the Supreme Court’s verdict, which mandates direct funding for local governments, is crucial for grassroots development.
“We received with dismay the news of governors pushing to block the disbursement of federal allocation to Local Government Councils as directed by the Supreme Court,” Ambali said.
“We want to state categorically that governors are enemies of Local Government, they are saboteurs. Nigerians know what they are capable of doing,” he added
He accused the governors of attempting to undermine local government autonomy, stressing that their actions do not serve the interests of the Nigerian people.
According to him, local governments play a vital role in governance, being the closest tier to the people, and should be financially independent to drive meaningful development at the grassroots.
“We need a paradigm shift in our Local Government Councils. We need a local government system that truly works for the people, and the Supreme Court has already given its verdict on this matter,” he added.
Ambali further warned Tinubu against succumbing to political pressure, reminding him that it is the Nigerian people, not the governors, who will determine his political future.
“We also wish to remind Mr. President that it is the Nigerian people who will vote for you in 2027, not the governors. So, don’t succumb to their blackmail,” he said.
The NULGE President, who also serves as the National Treasurer of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), pledged that the union would continue to mobilize Nigerians in support of the Tinubu administration, provided it upholds local government autonomy.
He urged the federal government to ensure that funds meant for local governments are directly allocated to them, allowing for efficient service delivery at the grassroots level.
