Senator Sunday Karimi says President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly shouldn’t be blamed for the slow rollout of local government (LG) financial autonomy despite a Supreme Court judgment in its favour nearly a year ago.

Speaking during a media chat in Lokoja while marking his two years in the 10th Senate, Karimi stressed that Tinubu’s administration was the one that initiated the legal battle for LG autonomy, highlighting that it’s part of the President’s broader push to “free Nigerians from underdevelopment.”

“If the Federal Government didn’t want LG autonomy, it wouldn’t have taken the case to court in the first place,” he said.

Karimi also dismissed criticisms aimed at the National Assembly, insisting both chambers are in full support of restoring proper governance at the grassroots. He explained that local government autonomy differs from state to state, as some states are already enjoying the benefits while others lag behind.

He said the Supreme Court’s decision is final, and any attempt to ignore it is a “personal risk,” adding that Nigerians themselves have a role to play in demanding full implementation.

“It’s not just the National Assembly’s fight. If we stay quiet, nothing will change. But if we speak up, autonomy will stand,” he said.

Senator Karimi further defended his support for President Tinubu, saying:

“Somebody asked why I support the President. I will support him over and over again because he truly wants Nigeria to grow. The challenges we’re facing now weren’t caused by him. But he has the will to fix them.”

He encouraged citizens to stay hopeful:

“Before we reach the promised land, hardship must come—but it won’t last forever. The goal is to return what belongs to the people, back to the people.”