He argued that the principle of equality before the law, which he described as the bedrock of democracy, was being eroded by the President’s reluctance to act against the governors.
A human rights activist and advocate for good governance, Agena A. Robert, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of selectively enforcing the law and undermining the authority of the Supreme Court over the continued refusal of state governors to comply with the judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
This was contained in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu and obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday.
Robert expressed “dismay and urgency” over Tinubu’s recent comments suggesting that he would ignore the failure of the 36 state governors to implement the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, citing “mutual respect” as the basis for his position.
According to the activist, the President’s stance has raised serious concerns about governance, accountability, and respect for the rule of law, especially when contrasted with what he described as the administration’s strict enforcement of tax and fiscal policies on ordinary Nigerians.
He argued that the principle of equality before the law, which he described as the bedrock of democracy, was being eroded by the President’s reluctance to act against the governors.
Robert also criticised Tinubu’s reference to wielding “the knife and the yam,” interpreting it as a transactional view of power rather than leadership rooted in public trust.
The activist urged the President to immediately direct the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to ensure that local government allocations are paid directly into council accounts, in line with the apex court’s ruling.
He warned that the continued defiance by governors was being emboldened by what he described as “presidential indulgence,” while millions of Nigerians are subjected to laws that their leaders allegedly violate with impunity.
He further stressed that in a democracy, the executive arm of government does not selectively enforce laws but is duty-bound to uphold them uniformly.
Robert called on Tinubu to take concrete steps to enforce compliance with the Supreme Court judgment, arguing that such action would help restore public confidence in governance and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
The letter reads in part, "Your recent remarks on ignoring the 36 state governors' defiance of the Supreme Court's judgment on local government autonomy have sent shockwaves across the nation. “While you invoked ‘mutual respect’ as the basis for your leniency, the Nigerian people see a different narrative unfolding – one that raises profound questions about governance, accountability, and the rule of law.
"Your administration's stance on the governors' non-compliance with the Supreme Court's directive is perplexing, especially when juxtaposed with the stringent enforcement of tax laws on the citizenry. The disconnect is glaring: those who are meant to set the example for the masses are seemingly above the law, while the common man is expected to toe the line without question.”
“Your reference to wielding ‘the knife and yam’ underscores a transactional approach to governance, implying that power is a tool for leverage rather than a trust for the people. The Supreme Court's judgment on local government autonomy is not a suggestion; it is a directive that demands compliance, not negotiation,” he said.
Robert urged the President to revisit his stance on the matter.
“Direct the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to effect the transfer of local government funds directly to their accounts, as mandated by the Supreme Court. This is not merely about obeying a court order; it is about upholding the constitution and respecting the sovereignty of the Nigerian people,” he said.