As newly inaugurated Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State settle into office, leading voices in law and policy have urged them to focus on the real needs of their communities rather than pursuing personal glory. The call comes amid rising expectations from citizens who believe grassroots governance should directly reflect the aspirations of the people.
In an exclusive interview, Port Harcourt-based lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Achinike William Wobodo, emphasized that the very first responsibility of the new council leaders should be a comprehensive needs assessment within their constituencies. According to him, effective governance begins with understanding what matters most to the people.
“Local Government chairmen should not jump into the fray of trying to outshine one another without evaluating the real needs of the people. The first thing they should do within the first 30 days is to go round the communities, consult widely, and document the actual needs of each ward and community. They are managing the people’s funds, and therefore, must work in line with the people’s priorities,” Wobodo advised.
Beyond infrastructure, Wobodo stressed the importance of healing political divisions among youths, noting that local governments have a strategic role to play in uniting Rivers people through inclusive programs.
“They should see how they can bring Rivers youths together. Our polity has created a lot of division among young people. Council chairmen should promote initiatives that harmonize the youths, including sporting events, community festivals, and dialogue platforms that foster reconciliation and brotherhood.”
Adding his voice, a policy and governance expert, Dr. Elechi Wabara, highlighted the need for strengthening human capacity at the grassroots. Wabara, a lecturer in the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resources Management at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, underscored that the essence of local governance is closeness to the people.
“Local government is the closest arm of government to the people. Therefore, chairmen must be intentional in their engagement, ensuring that their policies and projects are people-centered. Building the human mind and developing competent individuals is as important as providing infrastructure. A community is only as strong as its people,” Dr. Wabara said.
He further raised concerns about rising youth unemployment, which he attributed to lack of employable skills. According to him, local governments must prioritize skills acquisition and professional training for graduates and young school leavers.
“Our people need to be meaningfully engaged. Extra efforts and funding should be committed to providing training that equips our youths to be competent and employable. When you build people, you build the nation,” Wabara emphasized.
The dual calls from Wobodo and Wabara reflect a growing consensus that grassroots development must go beyond physical projects to include human development, unity, and empowerment. For many Rivers citizens, the performance of these newly sworn-in chairmen will be judged not only by the roads and buildings they put up but also by how effectively they heal divisions, empower young people, and give true meaning to local governance.
