Tinubu Cannot Control States’ Subsidy Funds — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu lacks the authority to determine how states and local governments spend the additional revenue they receive following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Wike made the statement on Wednesday during a media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while reacting to comments by former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on the use of subsidy removal gains.

The minister said Obi should focus on how the funds allocated to sub-national governments are being spent rather than questioning the Federal Government’s decision.

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“All he should have asked is, ‘Having removed the subsidy, what do you do with the gains?’ This is what I think a reasonable person should talk about,” Wike said.

He added that the President had no constitutional power to instruct states and local governments on how to use their funds because all tiers of government operate independently.

“Tinubu has no power to say, ‘State, this is what you should do with the funds that you’ve brought in from the fuel subsidy.’ He has no power to tell local governments what to do with their money. All tiers of government are independent,” he said.

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Wike noted that increased allocations had improved the financial capacity of many states, allowing them to pay salaries, pensions and execute projects without frequent industrial actions.

“Today states are saying, unlike before, we can’t pay salaries or pensions, and there are strikes all over the place. Now there are no strikes; there are advantages. Now, I have money to carry out projects,” he said.

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The former Rivers State governor also praised Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy, describing the decision as a bold step that previous administrations avoided.

“Tinubu deserves kudos for taking the bold decision no president took. Now, it’s time for states to account for the funds they have gotten,” Wike said.

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