State governors are still trying to fight against the planned disbursement of federal allocation to the local government councils.
They are looking for ways to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict on LGA autonomy.
Some of the governors, during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, last Tuesday, kicked against payment of the LG allocation through the Central Bank of Nigeria, citing the need to address the multi-billion dollar debts allegedly incurred by the councils.
Presidency officials said the governors used the opportunity of the Iftar dinner to lobby the President and renew negotiations on direct allocation to the councils, which has suffered delays.
“When the governors came on Monday for Iftar, they sought to meet the President, which they did on Tuesday afternoon. Some of the governors came to meet the president. They were there with him for long. They left around past six that evening,” one insider told The PUNCH.
Speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, another official privy to the details, explained further, “They finally met the President on Tuesday to try to find a solution. They are jostling for a favourable outcome.
“What is happening are two things. The Federal Government wants the allocations paid to the CBN, and all local government areas should open an account with the CBN.
“But the governors said no. They don’t want it that way. They said if the money goes to the CBN, it is as good as the Federal Government still controlling the whole thing.”
