Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a crucial advisory to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to remain vigilant against the influences of governors and special interest factions that may threaten his significant achievements.
During a press gathering in Abuja on Sunday, August 18, 2024, Okechukwu pointed out the vital financial autonomy awarded to local government councils as a result of a landmark Supreme Court decision, along with the allocation of 450,000 barrels of crude oil daily to local refineries. He emphasized that these accomplishments must be preserved at all costs.
The former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) expressed strong disapproval of any rumored three-month delay in implementing the Supreme Court ruling, asserting that such a move would not only undermine the court’s authority but could also place the President in contempt.
“The two most commendable achievements of President Tinubu are the Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to local councils and the allocation of crude oil to local refineries. These must not be jeopardized,” Okechukwu stated firmly.
He lamented that there appeared to be pressure from state governors to dilute citizens’ control over local governance and warned against allowing these influences to disrupt the progress made.
Okechukwu also criticized the so-called Special Interest groups for obstructing efforts that could lead to lower fuel prices, reduced debt burdens, and job creation—benefits expected from the crude oil allocation to refineries.
When questioned about the reported three-month hold on the financial autonomy for local councils, he vehemently rejected this assertion, emphasizing that the Supreme Court did not grant any such extension to the governors.
He concluded by appealing to President Tinubu to be cautious of the pressures from governors and special interests, stating, “The APC’s approval rating has hit a low, and we celebrated the potential rise in our ratings due to financial autonomy and oil allocation. However, that celebration may be short-lived if we don’t act wisely.”
