...Calls for stronger institutional collaboration, effective lawmaking, accountability, and grassroots development
ENUGU, ENUGU STATE — The Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Legislative Matters, Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, FCAI, JP, has called for stronger collaboration between Local Government Chairmen and councillors across Enugu State’s 17 local government areas to promote accountability, effective lawmaking and grassroots development.
Nnajiofor emphasised that mutual respect, constructive engagement and adherence to constitutional responsibilities are essential to effective governance, urging political leaders to prioritise dialogue over rivalry and align their activities with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s development vision.
He made the call in a press statement advocating institutional cooperation, improved legislative capacity and people-oriented governance across the state.
Full text of statement reads;
PRESS STATEMENT
GOV. MBAH’S LEGISLATIVE ADVISER PAUL NNAJIOFOR ADVOCATES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE ARMS ACROSS ENUGU STATE’S 17 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
*Calls for stronger institutional collaboration, effective lawmaking, accountability, and grassroots development*
ENUGU, ENUGU STATE — The Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Legislative Matters, Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, FCAI, JP, has advocated a more strategic, structured, and result-oriented partnership between the Executive and Legislative arms of government across the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State.
He emphasised that effective governance at the grassroots level requires a harmonious working relationship between Local Government Chairmen and members of their respective Legislative Councils, anchored on mutual respect, constitutional responsibilities, constructive engagement, and a shared commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people.
Rt. Hon. Nnajiofor noted that the success of local government administration depends not merely on the existence of the two arms of government, but on their ability to work collaboratively while respecting their distinct constitutional and statutory mandates.
According to him, strategic partnership between the Executive and Legislative arms is a critical instrument for strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and accelerating sustainable development at the grassroots.
He observed that Local Government Legislative Councils occupy a strategic position in the democratic governance architecture because of their responsibilities in lawmaking, representation, oversight, and the articulation of the needs and aspirations of the people at the community level.
The Governor’s Legislative Adviser maintained that these responsibilities would be better discharged in an atmosphere of peaceful collaboration, institutional discipline, and productive engagement with the Executive arm.
He further stressed that the relationship between the two arms should not be defined by unnecessary rivalry, political differences, or institutional competition, but by a common determination to improve the quality of governance and the living conditions of the people.
STRENGTHENING GOVERNANCE THROUGH INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATION
Rt. Hon. Nnajiofor called for the institutionalisation of regular consultative meetings between Local Government Chairmen and Legislative Councils to promote policy coordination, legislative effectiveness, budgetary cooperation, and the timely implementation of approved development programmes.
He explained that such engagements would provide opportunities for the Executive to communicate its policy priorities and development agenda, while the Legislative Councils would contribute through constructive legislative interventions, responsible oversight, and effective representation of their constituents.
He also advocated capacity-building initiatives for councillors and relevant local government officials to deepen their understanding of legislative procedures, public financial management, oversight responsibilities, and the principles of democratic accountability.
According to him, strengthening the institutional capacity of the Local Government Legislative Councils would enhance their ability to support good governance, scrutinise public policies, and ensure that government programmes reflect the genuine needs of the people.
He added that a functional partnership must be guided by respect for the rule of law, transparency in public administration, accountability in the utilisation of public resources, and a clear understanding of the respective roles of the Executive and Legislative arms.
ALIGNING GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE WITH GOV. MBAH’S DEVELOPMENT VISION
The Special Adviser reaffirmed the importance of aligning governance practices across the 17 Local Government Areas with the broader development vision of the administration of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State.
He noted that the real impact of government policies is ultimately measured by their ability to improve the lives of citizens, expand economic opportunities, strengthen public institutions, and promote inclusive development.
He therefore urged Local Government Chairmen and councillors to embrace a governance culture that prioritises measurable results, responsible leadership, institutional stability, and service to the people.
He emphasised that the Executive and Legislative arms must recognise that their respective responsibilities, though distinct, are complementary within the broader framework of democratic governance.
“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.
A CALL FOR A NEW CULTURE OF GOVERNANCE
Rt. Hon. Nnajiofor urged political leaders and elected representatives across the 17 Local Government Areas to embrace a new culture of governance characterised by dialogue, mutual understanding, institutional maturity, and a shared sense of responsibility.
He maintained that constructive engagement should remain the preferred approach to resolving disagreements, noting that differences of opinion are natural in a democratic system but should be managed through established institutional mechanisms rather than confrontational practices that could undermine effective administration.
He further encouraged councillors to remain committed to their representative responsibilities by maintaining close contact with their constituents, identifying community priorities, and ensuring that the voices of the people are reflected in local government policies and legislative decisions.
The Special Adviser expressed confidence that a stronger partnership between the Executive and Legislative arms would contribute significantly to consolidating democratic governance, improving service delivery, and advancing the development objectives of the Mbah administration across Enugu State.
He reiterated his commitment, within the scope of his advisory responsibilities, to promoting constructive engagement, institutional cooperation, and a deeper understanding of legislative governance in support of the state's development agenda.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to work collectively towards building a governance system where cooperation strengthens democracy, accountability inspires public confidence, and effective leadership translates government policies into visible and sustainable benefits for the people of Enugu State.
-SIGNED:
Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, FCAI, JP
Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Legislative Matters
