Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister-Designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, has vowed to uphold the dignity of Members of Parliament (MPs) by ensuring that no District Chief Executive (DCE) disrespects them.
He cautioned that any act of hostility from DCEs towards MPs undermines not only the MPs but also the stability of the governance system.
During his vetting on January 21, he emphasized the crucial role MPs play in national assignments, which often requires them to spend extended periods outside of their constituencies attending to parliamentary duties. This, he said, should be understood by constituents and DCEs alike, to prevent unnecessary tensions.
He warned that such misunderstandings could destabilize the political environment and create discord between MPs and their constituencies.
He addressed allegations of sabotage by some DCEs during elections, where resources like the MPs’ Common Fund were reportedly used against sitting MPs. He described such actions as counterproductive and urged DCEs to channel resources into collaborative development efforts rather than undermining MPs. He stressed that when all stakeholders focus on their respective roles, the constituencies will benefit from peace and progress.
He affirmed commitment to fostering mutual respect between DCEs and MPs. He made it clear that his leadership would prioritize collaboration, warning that any conflict between the two groups could jeopardize governance and development at the local level.