Wike: Tinubu Can’t Dictate How States, LGAs Spend Subsidy Gains

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu has no constitutional authority to determine how states and local governments spend the additional revenue they receive following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Speaking at a media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike argued that the three tiers of government are independent and that states and local governments should decide how to use their allocations.

He, however, urged sub-national governments to account for the additional funds they have received since the subsidy removal, saying increased allocations have improved the finances of many states and enabled them to pay salaries, pensions and execute development projects.

Wike also commended Tinubu for taking the decision to remove the subsidy, describing it as a bold step, but stressed that the next priority should be ensuring that states and LGAs account for the funds accruing to them.