Tinubu Calls for Media Accountability in Governance

On Friday, President Bola Tinubu called on the media to hold state and local governments accountable for their financial operations, emphasizing the need for greater scrutiny at these levels of governance. Speaking at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, he noted that while states enjoy increased financial autonomy, they often struggle to meet salary obligations, leading to reliance on federal bailouts during periods of low oil revenue.

Tinubu highlighted the importance of media criticism in improving government performance and acknowledged the media's challenges, particularly regarding funding sources during tough economic times. He also mentioned the Supreme Court's ruling in July 2024 that granted fiscal autonomy to local councils.

Tinubu expressed gratitude to media proprietors for their role in fostering accountability and stated that he reads newspapers daily, considering them essential for informed leadership. He dismissed the notion of critics as enemies, viewing them instead as contributors to nation-building.