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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fully enforce the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local government councils across the country, describing it as a major step toward strengthening grassroots governance.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku said the judgment, which bars state governors from controlling or withholding local government funds through joint accounts, must not be allowed to gather dust. He urged President Tinubu, as the head of the executive arm, to demonstrate political will by ensuring strict compliance by all states.

Atiku noted that for decades, local governments have been rendered ineffective due to excessive interference by state governments, leaving communities without basic services such as primary healthcare, rural roads and sanitation. According to him, the Supreme Court’s decision offers a rare opportunity to restore the original purpose of the third tier of government as envisioned by the constitution.

He stressed that enforcement should go beyond mere pronouncements, calling on relevant federal agencies, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Ministry of Finance, to put clear mechanisms in place to guarantee direct allocation of funds to elected local councils.

The former presidential candidate also warned that failure to implement the ruling would further erode public trust in government and undermine democracy at the grassroots. He urged Nigerians, civil society groups and the media to remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable to ensure that local governments truly gain the independence promised by the apex court’s landmark judgment.