The Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Legislative Matters, Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, has called for stronger collaboration between local government chairmen and legislative councillors across the state’s 17 local government areas to improve grassroots governance and service delivery.
Nnajiofor said a strategic and result-oriented partnership between the executive and legislative arms of local government administration was essential to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability and accelerating sustainable development.
He made the call in a press release, while advocating a governance framework anchored on mutual respect, constructive engagement and adherence to the constitutional and statutory responsibilities of both arms.
According to him, effective local government administration depends not merely on the existence of the executive and legislative arms but on their ability to work together while respecting their distinct mandates.
He noted that legislative councils play critical roles in lawmaking, representation, oversight and articulating the needs of communities, adding that these responsibilities could be better discharged through peaceful collaboration and productive engagement with the executive.
Nnajiofor cautioned against unnecessary rivalry, political differences and institutional competition between local government chairmen and councillors, urging both sides to prioritise the welfare of the people.
Calls for Regular Consultations, Capacity Building
The governor’s aide advocated regular consultative meetings between local government chairmen and legislative councils to improve policy coordination, legislative effectiveness, budgetary cooperation and the implementation of approved development programmes.
He explained that such engagements would enable the executive to communicate its policy priorities while allowing councillors to contribute through constructive legislative interventions, responsible oversight and effective representation of their constituents.
Nnajiofor also called for capacity-building programmes for councillors and relevant local government officials to strengthen their understanding of legislative procedures, public financial management, oversight responsibilities and democratic accountability.
He said stronger institutional capacity would enable legislative councils to scrutinise public policies more effectively and ensure that government programmes reflected the actual needs of residents.
Partnership to Support Mbah’s Development Agenda
Nnajiofor urged local government chairmen and councillors to align their governance practices with the broader development vision of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
He said government policies should ultimately be assessed by their impact on citizens, particularly in improving living conditions, expanding economic opportunities, strengthening public institutions and promoting inclusive development.
The former lawmaker urged elected representatives across the state to embrace measurable results, responsible leadership, institutional stability and people-oriented service.
“The ultimate objective of governance is the welfare and development of the people. When the Executive and Legislative arms work together strategically, respect their respective mandates, and maintain open channels of communication, the result is stronger institutions, better policies, greater accountability, and more tangible development outcomes for our communities,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting constructive engagement, institutional cooperation and a deeper understanding of legislative governance in support of Enugu State’s development agenda.
Nnajiofor concluded by urging stakeholders to work towards a governance system in which cooperation strengthens democracy, accountability builds public confidence and effective leadership translates government policies into visible and sustainable benefits for residents.
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