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SENATE: Senator Ekong Sampson Sets Insights for Local Government Administration in Nigeria

Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the Senate, Dr. Ekong Sampson has set the tone for insights into effective Local Government Administration in Nigeria. Senator Sampson offered his perspectives at the Senate plenary on Friday, 4th August, 2023 during the ongoing Ministerial Screening.

While making his contributions during the screening of one of the nominees, Alhaji Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo from Kano State, Senator Ekong Sampson beamed the searchlight on ways to better governance at the grassroots level. Gwarzo is a former Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria(ALGON).

Taking the floor to speak, Senator Ekong Sampson expressed concerns over the workings of the current Local Government system in Nigeria, which he noted, was beleaguered by institutional loopholes. He was of the opinion that if the system is strengthened, there will be greater efficiency in grassroots administration. Senator Sampson remarked that a more efficient Local Government system will help check insecurity in the country and engender development.

Senator Ekong Sampson himself, is a former Local Government Chairman as well as a former two-term Member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. He was also Commissioner in a number of ministries in Akwa Ibom State.
Sampson sought out the opinion of Alhaji Gwarzo on ways of strengthening the Local Government administration.

In his answer, the nominee, Alhaji Tijjani Gwarzo provided two vital leads. First, he answered that Local Government autonomy was a critical panacea for effective Local Government Administration in the country. Gwarzo also canvassed that LG elections should be handled by INEC or an independent national electoral body to make for free and fair elections, which will make the system independent and accountable.

The Senate continues its Ministerial Screening tomorrow, Saturday 5th August, 2023.

© Media Unit,
Senator Ekong Sampson
04/08/2023