By Chima Azubuike
A former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, on Sunday urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to consider replacing the designation of Local Government “Chairman” with the title of “Mayor,” arguing that the current nomenclature does not properly reflect the executive authority of the office.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Sani noted that the title “Chairman” appears more suited to a committee setting than an executive office, adding that it undermines the importance of local government as the third tier of governance in the country.
“The title of Local Government ‘Chairman’ should be changed to Mayor. This title of ‘Chairman’ doesn’t properly reflect an executive position and makes no sense,” the former lawmaker wrote.
According to him, the adoption of the term “Mayor,” as practised in many democracies across the world, would not only confer greater dignity on the office but also align Nigeria’s local governance structure with international standards.
Sani’s remark comes at a time when debates around local government autonomy, funding, and functionality are gaining momentum across the country.
The controversial former senator, known for his outspoken views on governance and reform, maintained that the nomenclature of an office is not a mere matter of semantics but one that shapes how the role is perceived and respected by the public.
