Atiku demands implementation of Supreme Court judgment on direct FAAC allocation to local governments

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately implement the Supreme Court judgment mandating direct allocation of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to local governments.

In a statement on Wednesday, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of deliberately ignoring the apex court’s ruling, noting that by July next year, the Federal Government would have spent two years without enforcing what he described as a binding and final judgment.

According to the former vice president, the continued delay amounts to defiance of the Constitution, alleging that the non-implementation is being used as a political tool to pressure opposition governors into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and to tighten control over governors within the party.

“Atiku stated that Supreme Court judgments are final and not optional, stressing that persistent refusal to enforce such rulings constitutes a breach of the constitution and a violation of the presidential oath of office,” the statement said.

He argued that local governments, as the tier of government closest to the people, are being crippled by the lack of financial autonomy, resulting in stalled development, abandoned health centres, unpaid salaries, and worsening poverty at the grassroots.

The former vice president rejected the need for executive orders or political manoeuvring, insisting that the solution lies in the president directing the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the judgment without further delay.

Atiku warned that the continued inaction prioritises political control over constitutional responsibility and economic justice, adding that Nigerians, already burdened by harsh economic conditions, are paying the price.

He added by urging the federal government to respect the rule of law, warning that history and the Nigerian people would remember the administration’s response to the issue.