In a recent statement, presidential aide Daniel Bwala urged Nigerians to shift their focus from blaming President Bola Tinubu for the nation’s challenges to holding state governors accountable for the utilization of federal allocations. Bwala emphasized the principles of federalism, noting that the President is not a prefect to the governors and should not be held responsible for issues at the state level.
Bwala explained that the federal government disburses funds to states for implementation, and it is the duty of state Houses of Assembly to exercise oversight over these appropriations. He highlighted that local governments receive substantial monthly allocations—such as ₦600 million—and that additional funds arrive regularly. He argued that if governors misuse these resources, citizens should call their state representatives to account rather than blaming the President.
According to Bwala, between January and March this year, a total of ₦2.26 billion was allocated to a single local government. This money, he said, could have been used to revive primary healthcare, improve primary education, fund construction projects, enhance law and order, create jobs, empower citizens, and mobilize community vigilantes. He lamented that instead of these benefits, the funds are often mismanaged.
Bwala stressed that without holding governors accountable at the federated level, even if the President sends $30 billion to the states, the same complaints will persist. He called on citizens to be vigilant and demand transparency from their state leaders.