Background of the Study
Local government oversight committees are established to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsiveness within local administrative systems. In Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, such committees are tasked with monitoring policy implementation and holding public officials accountable for their actions. The effectiveness of these committees is critical for curbing corruption and promoting good governance (Ade, 2023). Despite their potential, challenges such as limited resources, political interference, and a lack of comprehensive oversight frameworks often hamper their functioning (Okafor, 2024). Recent studies have highlighted that robust oversight mechanisms are essential for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that local governments operate in the public interest (Chukwu, 2025). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of oversight committees in Ikot Ekpene, assessing their role in enhancing political accountability, identifying operational challenges, and suggesting improvements to ensure better governance practices at the local level.
Statement of the Problem
In Ikot Ekpene, the effectiveness of local government oversight committees in ensuring political accountability has been called into question. Despite the establishment of these committees, instances of corruption and mismanagement persist, indicating potential weaknesses in their oversight functions. Challenges such as limited capacity, external political pressures, and inadequate regulatory frameworks hinder their ability to hold officials accountable. This study seeks to investigate these challenges and evaluate whether oversight committees are fulfilling their intended roles in promoting transparency and accountability (Ade, 2023; Okafor, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
To assess the effectiveness of oversight committees in promoting political accountability in Ikot Ekpene.
To identify challenges affecting the performance of these committees.
To recommend strategies for strengthening oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Research Questions:
How effective are local government oversight committees in Ikot Ekpene?
What challenges do these committees face in fulfilling their oversight functions?
What measures can enhance the accountability of local government officials?
Research Hypotheses:
H1: Local government oversight committees significantly enhance political accountability in Ikot Ekpene.
H2: Inadequate resources and political interference diminish the committees’ effectiveness.
H3: Strengthening regulatory frameworks can improve oversight committee performance.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it evaluates the role of oversight committees in ensuring political accountability in Ikot Ekpene. The research findings will offer practical recommendations to improve governance practices and curb corruption, thereby strengthening public trust in local administration. The insights will benefit both policymakers and civic organizations (Ade, 2023; Chukwu, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to examining the effectiveness of local government oversight committees in promoting political accountability within Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, focusing on operational challenges and potential improvements.
Definitions of Terms:
Oversight Committees: Bodies established to monitor and evaluate government activities.
Political Accountability: The obligation of public officials to justify their actions and decisions.
Transparency: The quality of being open and clear in administrative processes.
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