The Adamawa State House of Assembly has commenced legislative processes aimed at amending the law governing local government administration in the state, with a key proposal to extend the tenure of local government council chairmen from two to three years.
This initiative follows a formal request by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who, in a letter addressed to the Assembly, urged lawmakers to repeal and amend the existing Local Government Administration, System and Establishment Law 2000. The governor’s proposal is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots governance and provide more time for elected chairmen to implement developmental programs in their respective local councils.
During plenary on Thursday, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, read the governor’s letter before the full chamber. The legislative document was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for in-depth consideration and stakeholder consultation.
Lawmakers who are members of the committee, including Hon. Geoffrey Bulus of Leko-Koma Constituency and Hon. Bulus Kantomon representing Shelleng, voiced their support for the proposal. They argued that extending the tenure would ensure continuity in governance at the local level and enable council chairmen to complete more impactful projects without the pressure of a short term.
“This move will encourage more strategic planning and reduce the frequency of political turnover, which often disrupts developmental momentum at the grassroots,” Hon. Geoffrey Bulus remarked during an interview with journalists after plenary.
The committee is expected to conduct public hearings and engage with traditional rulers, local government stakeholders, and civil society organizations to gather input before presenting its report to the full House for debate and possible passage.
If the proposed amendment is adopted, the extension would apply to future local government administrations, potentially reshaping the political landscape at the third tier of government in Adamawa State.
The Assembly has not yet set a date for the final reading and vote, but insiders say the process is moving swiftly, and the bill could be passed before the next local government elections.
