Former Senator, Shehu Sani, has urged Nigerian authorities to replace the title “Local Government Chairman” with “Mayor,” arguing that the change would elevate the status of grassroots governance and bring it in line with international democratic practices.
Sani, renowned for his outspoken stance on political reforms, said the nomenclature of public offices carries symbolic weight, shaping how leadership roles are perceived by citizens. According to him, adopting the globally recognised title of “Mayor” would not only confer dignity on the office but also inspire greater respect for local administration.
His comments come as conversations around local government autonomy, funding, and efficiency continue to dominate Nigeria’s governance discourse. Sani noted that councils play a pivotal role in community development, yet their importance is often undermined by weak institutional identity and low public confidence.
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“The terminology used to describe leadership positions is not a trivial matter,” he explained. “Names influence perception, and perception drives how seriously people take the office and its responsibilities.”
He further stressed that reforming local government structures should go beyond financial and constitutional adjustments, calling for measures that would also enhance the visibility and credibility of the councils.
Sani encouraged policymakers and stakeholders to consider the proposal as part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots governance. He added that empowering councils with clear authority, better funding, and a respected identity would improve service delivery and make them more accountable to the people they serve.
