Sokoto council tenure extension seeks to boost grassroots development with a shift from two to three years for local leaders, prompting varied political reactions
Sokoto council tenure extension has become a hot topic as the state government endorsed a proposal to increase the tenure of local government chairmen from two to three years.
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This proposed amendment is already before the Sokoto State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Ibrahim Adare, revealed this during a press briefing in Sokoto on Wednesday.
He stated the extension was essential for chairmen to effectively deliver projects that have lasting impact.
“The idea is simple. Expecting tangible results in just two years is unrealistic. With a three-year term, council chairmen will have enough time to plan, implement, and complete impactful projects,” Adare said.
He explained that the current two-year term hinders meaningful development, making it difficult for leaders to achieve long-term goals within such a short window.
The government believes a longer tenure will improve continuity and sustainability in community projects.
The commissioner also pointed out that the proposal is not entirely new. A similar three-year tenure existed under the administration of former Governor Aliyu Wamakko.
That period, according to him, witnessed considerable progress across local governments in the state.
By returning to a three-year structure, the administration hopes to strengthen the foundations of grassroots governance.
The policy is aimed at deepening development and encouraging better service delivery from council chairmen.
Adare further addressed concerns over local government autonomy. He affirmed that the state government supports the Supreme Court ruling and is committed to enabling more independent functioning of local councils.
“The idea of granting more autonomy to LGs aligns with our vision. Local governments must function effectively, and this amendment is part of that push,” he explained.
Speaking on the achievements during Wamakko’s era, the commissioner referenced road projects, water initiatives, and mosque constructions as examples of what could be achieved with a longer mandate.
According to him, reverting to a two-year term has limited the scope of governance and stalled development initiatives.
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions across political circles. While some citizens welcome the move as a step forward, others see it as a political strategy by the ruling party. Nonetheless, the government insists that the aim is purely developmental.
He acknowledged the growing presence of opposition parties like the African Democratic Congress in the state.
However, he maintained that the All Progressives Congress-led government remains focused on performance and delivering measurable value to its citizens.
The commissioner also touched on the security situation affecting certain local government areas.
He admitted that there are challenges but emphasised that resources have been allocated to address them.
“We have deployed both security and development resources to troubled areas, and we’re already seeing encouraging results,” he noted.
Political analysts suggest that extending the term to three years could offer stability and enhance long-term planning at the local level.
However, they also warn that effectiveness will depend largely on the commitment and accountability of the council leadership.
Residents of Sokoto have expressed a mix of anticipation and scepticism. While some community members believe the new structure could yield positive changes, others are urging the government to couple tenure extension with strict performance monitoring mechanisms.
As the debate continues, all eyes are on the State House of Assembly to determine the future structure of local governance in Sokoto.
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What remains clear is that the Sokoto council tenure extension could reshape grassroots administration for years to come.
