Local Chief Research Articles

A practitioner-led research agenda for local government

ABSTRACT The last 50 years of local government studies have documented extraordinary changes: economic transformations, international democratisation, the digital revolution and the rise of the internet have transformed local government. Looking forward to the next 50 years: climate change, ageing populations, financial pressure, populist politics, will all come home to roost in the day-to-day work of local government. This paper makes the case for building a research agenda around the practical experiences of local policy practitioners. Using our experience from a series of interviews with over sixty local government chief executives, and the example of two research projects built around LGIU’s local authority members network in England, the paper describes the valuable opportunities that come from engaging with local government practitioners for developing and directing research.

Community Development Programs on Palm Oil Plantation Industry in Aceh Tamiang - Indonesia: the Participation of Opinion Leaders in Information Governance

Understanding the different disputes that have occurred in the Aceh Tamiang oil palm plantation sector requires a communication strategy focused on teaching ideals that are in harmony with community social life. The study of plantation disputes in Aceh Tamiang demonstrates how the function of opinion leaders from formal actors as corporate spokespersons opens up communication channels that have previously been blocked. The community can express its desired ambitions to the firm through opinion leaders that the company has deployed. The business also takes formal village actors into account as opinion leaders in order to comprehend the needs and circumstances of its citizens. “Datok Penghulu”, the local chief, was officially selected by the corporation to serve as its public relations representative. This opinion leader's function as a company spokesperson at least includes creating community development (CD) initiatives, coordinating CD initiatives with the company, and promoting programs to the community.

“Vivre en paix et en bonne intelligence avec les princes locaux” in Senegambia in the Age of Slave Economy: Diplomatic Treaties, Trade, Conflicts, and Peace in Interaction (1679–1815)

Abstract The violent and competitive context in which trade relations between the states of Senegambia and Europeans evolved required moments of calm and stability, which were decisive and important factors in the cohabitation of trade actors. Diplomacy was a fundamental political lever for European trade in Senegambia. It had become a major stake in the daily lives of the actors. Diplomacy was generally reserved for field actors from different political cultures and with different political and economic ambitions. Diplomacy took the form of negotiations, and took the form of simple agreements of principle, notably in the context of palavers, or the conclusion of trade and peace treaties. The aim of diplomacy, for example, was to establish strong, peaceful commercial relations between trade players and to regularize the tax system, which was the fundamental basis of trade and the expression of the sovereignty of local chiefs towards the Europeans.

<i>Pāňcālī </i>— A Local Administrative Unit of Ancient Nepal (4<sup>th</sup> to 8<sup>th</sup> Century A.D.): An Inscriptional Overview

Licchavi kingdom was an ancient kingdom in Nepal, which existed in the Kathmandu Valley from approximately from ca. A.D. 300 to ca. 879. Centuries earlier at the start of the Buddhist era, a powerful republic known as Licchavi existed in what is today Bihar. It is to be mentioned here, some legendary sources from the Kathmandu Valley also describe the Kirātas as early rulers there, taken over from earlier Gopāls or Ᾱbhiras, both of whom may have been cow herding tribes. In the pre Lichhavi period a village administration existed in the valley of Nepal. In that village administration there were some local chief officials named <i>Brahmum, Shulham</i>, <i>Tepulam</i> who maintained law and orders of the villages. In the Ᾱdī- Nārāyaṇa temple Inscription of Nepal there are 18 functionaries in which <i>Brahmum, Shulham</i>, <i>Tepulam </i>are mentioned. These non sanskritic terms disappeared after sometime and replaced by sanskritic terms such as <i>svatalasvāmī</i> and later <i>dauvārika</i>, a post which endured permanently in Nepal village administration. In the period of Aṁśuvarmā we see a significant change occurred in the use of land and its administration by the ushering in of the <i>pāňcālīs. Pāňcālī</i> has been used in the sense of modern <i>Pāňcāyet.</i> In ancient Nepal <i>Pāňcālī</i> was a village administration and <i>Pāňcālīkā</i> is the member of the administrative body <i>Pāňcālī. </i>In this paper an attempt has been made to discuss about the meaning of the term <i>pāňcālī,</i> its characteristics, responsibilities and roles in Nepal administration.

Leadership Development Program for Public Health Nurses: An Evaluation of Workplace Application.

Public health nurses (PHNs) are vital in the local implementation of the provisions of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act of 2019. However, they need adequate competencies in health systems approach to successfully implement the provisions of the law. In response to this, a leadership development course for public health nurses (LDC-PHN), anchored on the building blocks of health systems, was developed and implemented. This paper aims to describe the extent to which training participants have applied the competencies acquired from the LDC-PHN as manifested by the workplace application of their capstone projects. Following Kirkpatrick's Model of Evaluation, we used a multi-method study design to evaluate the extent of the participants' workplace application of acquired competencies. Sources of data included the Workplace Application Plan (WAP) accomplished by each participant, a questionnaire to determine the perceived implementation status of the participants' capstone project, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with selected participants and their supervisors, and observation visits. Data were collected from May to December 2022. Data from the semistructured interviews and FGDs were analyzed through content analysis, while the participants' perceived status of their capstone project implementation was summarized as frequencies. Majority of the participants (61.9%) reported partial implementation of their capstone project while 16.77% reported full implementation. Capstone project implementation was facilitated by the support received from their supervisors and local chief executives. Barriers identified included the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges imposed by the events before and after the 2022 Philippine National elections. Major themes emerged from the interviews conducted among participants and their supervisors. The workplace application of the training program outcomes, based on participants' perspectives, yielded increased capacity to lead and innovate, improved ability to advocate for capstone project implementation, transferability of acquired skill sets, and improved population outcomes. From supervisors' perspectives, workplace application of training program outcomes include increased ability of PHNs to deliver health services, and visible enhancement of leadership and supervision skills among PHNs. Given ample support and opportunities, and despite the barriers and challenges they faced, LDC-PHN participants, in general, utilized and applied the competencies they gained from the course in their actual work setting. Course graduates participated in health systems strengthening at various capacities by acting upon their capstone projects that addressed UHC challenges within their particular work settings.

Local Chief Executive Political Accountability In Indonesia: A Historical-Legal Analysis

This paper discusses the local chief executive’s (LCE) political accountability in the Local Government Acts (LGAs). Using historical and theoretical approaches, this article examines the influence of the political interests of the regimes on the changes of provisions on LCE’s political accountability in the LGAs from 1945 to date. The LCE was accountable to the local council (DPRD) from 1945-1958 and 1999-2004; and to the central government from 1959-1998. While since 2004, the LCEs are only had to report -but not be accountable- to the Central Government, local council and the local community. Two important academic questions arise when dealing with this phenomenon. First, to what extent are the political interests of the democratic and authoritarian regimes shaped the changes of provisions on LCE political accountability in the LGAs? Second, how do the provisions conform to the accountability principles? This study’s result shows that the rulers’ political orientation shaped the LCEs’ political accountability system and ignored the principles of accountability, leading to the inconsistent institutional design of LCE accountability. Furthermore, the LGA has yet to regulate the electoral/political accountability of LCEs, which should be a consequenceof adopting the LCE direct election. We recommend precise arrangements on the accountability principle in the Constitution to avoid the politicization of laws by legislators according to their political interests and improve the role of Citizens through a recall petition to strengthen the enforcement mechanisms.

Factors Driving Exclusion and Discrimination of Elmolo in Kenya: A Case of El Molo in Turkana County

The indigenous peoples in Kenya face a huge hurdle in protecting their fundamental rights and freedoms due to lack recognition as distinct groups with specific needs, cultures, and ways of life. This study sought to address to identify and map the El-Molo community in Turkana County, documenting varying levels of marginalization among different demographics and understanding the structure through which the community coordinates and advocates for their rights and development. The study focused on 1,104 El Molo residents in Kalokol, Longech, and Kapua, and utilized a descriptive research design. The researcher employed key informant interviews as well as Focus Group Discussions to collect primary data. To ensure the reliability of the findings, a triangulation of methods was utilized, including interviews with local chiefs, ministry officials, and representatives of faith-based organizations in Central Turkana. During public Baraza and FGD, a checklist was used to guide the discussions. The El-Molo community, the smallest ethnic group in Kenya, is at risk of losing their distinct identity through intermarriage and the adoption of Western practices from neighbouring tribes. Without intervention, their traditional food, clothing, housing, and cultural practices will disappear. Therefore, it is crucial to expose the community to methods of preserving their heritage, including material culture, music, and dance

Syncretism and Cultural Resilience: The Coexistence and Evolution of Traditional Itolimin and Christian Burial Practices in Esanland, Nigeria

Purpose of the Study: This research aims to uncover how traditional second burial rites coexist with and have adapted to Christian funeral norms, reflecting the socio-religious negotiation in a postcolonial context. Methodology: Employing a qualitative ethnographic approach, the study gathered data through semi-structured interviews with local chiefs, elders, and adults, alongside observations and an extensive review of related literature. Participants were selected based on their deep knowledge of Esan customs and involvement in the Itolimin practice. Main Findings: The study revealed that Itolimin, while embracing certain Christian elements, remains a vital cultural practice that reinforces the community's moral and social order. The rite's evolution showcases the Esan people's ability to blend traditional and Christian values, thereby preserving their cultural identity amidst religious changes. This syncretism illustrates the community's broader cultural resilience and adaptation approach in a rapidly changing religious landscape. Applications of this Study: Insights from this study apply to the broader discourse on funeral practices in postcolonial societies, providing a framework for cultural preservation amidst religious transformation. It is relevant for policymakers and public health officials regarding community health and burial practices. The findings also offer a basis for developing contextual theological education that respects indigenous beliefs within Christian teachings. Novelty/Originality: This study provides a unique contribution to the understanding of funeral rituals within African postcolonial societies by documenting the living tradition of Itolimin. It highlights how syncretism acts as a dynamic cultural force, shaping the way communities like the Esan negotiate identity and religious practice in a contemporary Christian-dominated context.

자치경찰제의 현황과 개선방안

In order to analyze the operation status of the autonomous police system, we tried to analyze the basic ideology and current status of the Sejong Autonomous Police based on the ideology (necessity) of the autonomous police and suggest the direction of development based on this. First, in terms of democracy (citizen participation), it is implemented in many areas, such as the local police chief's recommendation system, the formation and operation of the “Uteummaru”, the conduct of a circuit meeting of the residents' council, and the operation of the website, but it is necessary to find ways for citizens to actively participate in the operation of the website. Second, in terms of decentralization (providing security services reflecting the characteristics of the region), it operates projects such as building balanced security by improving the environment of crime-prone areas and proactively responding to the changing school violence environment, but it is necessary to develop security service projects that reflect the characteristics of the region. Police statistics show that the rate of special economic crimes is higher than that of other local governments. Population growth is higher than in other regions. Sejong Special Self-Governing City provides security services to respond to relatively young people (Date violence, juvenile crimes, etc.) Third, in terms of political neutrality (representativeness), it is necessary to play a role as a local security service provider that reflects expertise and representativene1ss more by fully considering occupational and career aspects in the composition of the next autonomous police committee.

Use of Nasopharyngoscopy Severity Classification of Chronic Epipharyngitis and Its Application for Evaluating the Treatment Outcomes of Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy.

Background Chronic epipharyngitis causes postnasal drip, pharyngeal pain, pharyngeal discomfort, headache, and shoulder stiffness. Additionally, autonomic nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, general fatigue, and sleeplessness may occur. It can also contribute to the development of focal diseases. Although epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT) is effective for chronic epipharyngitis involving the abrasion of the epipharynx with a zinc chloride solution, there is a lack of clear diagnostic criteria, and treatment outcomes are rarely reported. Methodology A classification of the severity of chronic epipharyngitis was attempted in 154 cases based on nasopharyngeal endoscopic findings, with a subsequent examination of treatment outcomes using EAT. Diagnosis of chronic epipharyngitis involved identifying redness, swelling, postnasal drip, and crusting of the epipharyngeal mucosa. Severity classification relied on a four-point scale measuring the degree of redness and swelling, with additional points assigned for the presence of postnasal drip and crusting. This classification also served as a criterion for judging treatment effectiveness. The prevalence and improvement rate of black spots and granular changes were assessed through nasopharyngeal endoscopy with narrow-band imaging. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using before and after treatment questionnaires, employing a four-point scale for symptoms commonly associated with chronic epipharyngitis (headache, postnasal drip, nasal obstruction, pharyngeal discomfort, pharyngeal pain, shoulder stiffness, tinnitus, ear fullness, dizziness, cough, and sputum). A 10-point numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess the physical condition. Results Following EAT, the severity of nasopharyngeal endoscopic findings notably improved, with a 76.0% (117/154) improvement rate (remarkable improvement: 19.5% (30), improvement: 56.5% (87)). The improvement rate for the chief complaint reached 85.7% (132/154), demonstrating significant enhancement in the score for each symptom. NRS scores also improved at a rate of 76.0% (117/154). A significant correlation was observed between the improvement in local findings and chief complaints. The prevalence of black spots and granular changes before EAT was 83.8% (129/154) and 64.3% (99/154), exhibiting improvement rates of 65.9% (87/132) and 54.8% (57/104), respectively. Conclusions Nasopharyngeal endoscopy proves valuable for diagnosing and assessing the severity of chronic epipharyngitis, as well as evaluating treatment effectiveness. The findings indicate that EAT is an effective treatment for chronic epipharyngitis, with improvements in local findings correlating with enhancements in the chief complaint. This underscores the importance of employing aggressive EAT in managing patients with chronic epipharyngitis.

Serial adapters? Local government chief officers and the navigation of space and time

This article analyses the everyday practices of ‘doing’ socio-spatial relations, drawing upon a series of in-depth interviews with local authority chief officers from across the UK. It argues that for chief officers ‘thinking spatially’ is played out in and through the practice of leadership on the move as they navigate the multiple spaces and temporalities that constitute the landscape of local government. Such leadership on the move resonates in part with predominant explanations of boundary spanning in studies of public governance. But importantly, boundary spanning suffers, our evidence suggests, from a temporal deficit, a ‘thin’ account of time which fails to address the constitutive function of boundaries and the complex politics of fluidity and fixity that follow. Articulating a ‘thicker’ approach to time, we argue that chief officers experience everyday socio-spatial relations less as boundary spanners and more as serial adaptors, who persistently reproduce sedimented boundaries and perform different modes of governance as they move from one arena to another. Serial adaptation, we conclude, challenges the potential managerialist bias of boundary spanning, in which the quest for harmonisation and unity masks over the irreducible complex reality of fragmentation and political conflict within which chief officers move.

Nurses-Led Municipal Leadership and Governance Program: Experiences of Local Chief Executives in Central Visayas, Philippines.

The strategic response of nurses in addressing health inequities in marginal sectors led to the conduct of a health leadership governance training program for local chief executives. This study aimed to explore and provide a description of the experiences of local chief executives (LCEs) or mayors who participated in the nurse-initiated health training named Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP). A qualitative descriptive design was used through key informant interviews of fifteen mayors or local chief executives (LCE) in the provinces of Bohol and Negros Oriental, Philippines. Data were collected from 16 to 20 November 2022 and analyzed using a thematic approach. The findings generated six themes: a) Leadership capacitation promoting transformative experience, b) Pandemic and program-induced limitations in the training implementation, c) Personal leadership motivation, d) Experiential learning promoting learning as applied in real-world situations, e) Celebrating leadership transformation, and f) 3R's of MLGP: revisit, review, recommend. The realizations of the training participants provided valuable implications for the quality of training offered by nurse leaders who advocated the MLGP implementation. It served as a proactive and responsive approach to the health leadership capacitation of mayors. It guided them in their personal realizations that inspired them to apply what they had learned and enabled them to effect experiences of personal to institutional transformation.

Intimate partner violence among women of reproductive age during COVID-19 pandemic in Bungoma County, Kenya

Background: Intimate partner violence includes all forms of aggression by former or current intimate partner. It accounts to 1.3 million deaths annually. Women of reproductive age, 18% globally have experienced physical and sexual forms of IPV. IPV cases ranges from 55% and 46% respectively in Africa and South Asia.COVID-19 has seen increase of IPV by 5% among WRA. IPV among WRA increases incidence of suicide, abortion and depression. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Stratified 2 stage random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used. Sample size was 229 WRA. Primary data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, KIIS and FGDS. Data analysis was carried out through both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis findings were presented in percentages and pie charts. Results: Age category of 26 -33 years, participants who are casual workers, alcohol consumption by partner, length of relationship, level of education and culture were significantly associated with physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence.66.80%of the participants did not know about the policies on IPV and the available community level services to combat IPV was majorly reconciliation of couples by the local chiefs. Conclusions: The health system factors that facilitates support of IPV was not in line with SDGs Goal 5: Gender equality and SDGs Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions. A large number of respondents (79.5%) reported unavailability of health facilities linked to social, health and legal services to support victims of IPV.

Assessing Vegetable Farmers’ Knowledge of Disease and Pests Control Methods in Ghana: A Survey of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum [L]) Farmers in the Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

A survey of 200 farmers in the Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti region was conducted between June and October 2016. It was to determine their knowledge of different pests and disease control methods employed, access to extension services, pesticides use and other pests control methods. The study relied on data collected from respondents, 12 key informants (pesticides dealers, vegetable buyers and local chief farmers), field surveillance and observation as well as the reports of the Directorate of Agriculture in the Municipality. Data were captured and analyzed using MS Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS) version 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) and interpreted into simple percentages on tables and charts. The result showed that farmers are above 20 years and 18% were female. The majority (74%) have at least basic education with six (6) or more years’ of experience in tomato production. Sixty-four percent (64%) had no access to extension services due to poor contact with the agricultural extension agents (AEAs). Most respondents (70%) lacked education on pesticides and alternative (e.g., integrated pests’ management) control. Nine-two percent acknowledged the dangers of pesticides to public health. Sixty-four percent practice bi-weekly calendar spraying while 30 % and 6% practice weekly and occasional spraying respectively. Forty-four percent of farmers throw used containers or leave them on the farm. More education is needed to ensure safe use of pesticides and wholesome tomatoes for the public.

Contestations, counteractions and equitable conservation – a case study of Ghana's Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve

This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of forest conservation conflict in rural Ghana, where state-led conservation efforts through forest reserves have met fierce counteractions from local communities within and around the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve. The study adopts a critical postcolonial institutional framework to examine the historical struggles that have shaped conservation policies in the country and subsequent contestations by forest-fringe communities (FFCs) seeking to use forest reserves for agricultural purposes. It dwells on archival materials, participant observation and interviews with farmers, local chiefs and forestry officials. The paper highlights the multifaceted strategies employed by these communities to assert their right to produce food within the forest reserve, leading to clashes with forestry authorities. By employing a critical postcolonial lens, the paper sheds light on the complex power relations and the historical legacies that underpin this conservation conflict, ultimately providing valuable insights for navigating sustainable and inclusive conservation approaches that respect the rights and local priorities of dispossessed, marginalised FFCs.

Penetrasi Nilai-Nilai Kepemimpinan Bigman dalam Pemerintahan Kampung di Kabupaten Manokwari Selatan

The overall objective of the research is to identify the penetration of bigman leadership values in village governance in Oransbari District, South Manokwari Regency. This research uses an exploratory paradigm, a descriptive approach with qualitative research (in-depth interviews). The data collection methods used were observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis follows the procedures of data collection, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of these findings show that the penetration of big man leadership values in village governance in Masabui one Masabui two Watariri villages is still controlled by traditional values, especially the value of power and ownership of customary rights and rights as a tribal chief, which are used in governance starting from the leader. The village structure prioritises the values of responsibility and transparency, even though it is controlled by a patrilineal family. The penetration of bigman leadership values in village governance in Oransbari District, South Manokwari Regency, has had a very strong influence. This influence is due to the power system of the tribal chief as the holder of customary rights, which has become a customary provision that all organisations entering the village must be headed by the holder of customary rights, who is also the local tribal chief, including bodies in the organisational structure, because it has become customary. As a legacy from generation to generation, all the trust of the community will be directed towards him. In addition, as the head of the village, the tribal chief plays an important role and is fully responsible for all government programmes that come to the village. He is also responsible for solving all problems related to violations and disputes in the village.

Strengthening community-based surveillance: lessons learned from the 2018–2020 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ebola outbreak

IntroductionThere has been little documentation of the large networks of community health workers that contributed to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) surveillance during the 2018–2020 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) epidemic in the form of community-based surveillance (CBS). These networks, comprised entirely of local community members, were a critical and mostly unrecognized factor in ending the epidemic. Challenges with collection, compilation, and analysis of CBS data have made their contribution difficult to quantify. From November 2019 to March 2020, the DRC Ministry of Health (MoH), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) worked with communities to strengthen existing EVD CBS in two key health areas in Ituri Province, DRC. We describe CBS strengthening activities, detail collaboration with communities and present results of these efforts. We also provide lessons learned to inform future outbreak responses.MethodsAs the foundation of CBS, community health workers (CHW) completed training to identify and report patients who met the EVD alert definitions. Alerts were investigated and if validated, the patient was sent for isolation and EVD testing. Community members provided early and ongoing input to the CBS system. We established a predefined ratio of community- elected CHW, allocated by population, to assure equal and adequate coverage across areas. Strong performing CHW or local leaders managed the CHWs, providing a robust supervision structure. We made additional efforts to integrate rural villages, revised tools to lighten the reporting burden and focused analysis on key indicators. Phased roll-out of activities ensured time for community discussion and approval. An integrated treatment center (ITC) combined EVD testing and isolation with free primary health care (PHC), referral services, and an ambulance network.ResultsA total of 247 CHW and supervisors completed training. CBS had a retention rate of 94.3% (n = 233) with an average daily reporting rate of 97.4% (range 75.0-100.0%). Local chiefs and community leaders participated in activities from the early stages. Community feedback, including recommendations to add additional CHW, run separate meetings in rural villages, and strengthen PHC services, improved system coverage and performance. Of 6,711 community referrals made, 98.1% (n = 6,583) were classified as alerts. Of the alerts, 97.4% (n = 6,410) were investigated and 3.0% (n = 190) were validated. Of the community referrals, 73.1% (n = 4,905) arrived for care at the ITC. The contribution of CBS to total alerts in the surveillance system increased from an average of 47.3% in the four weeks prior to system strengthening to 69.0% after. In one of the two health areas, insufficient reporting in rural villages suggested inadequate coverage, with 8.3% of the total population contributing 6.1% of alerts.DiscussionCBS demonstrated the capacity of community networks to improve early disease detection and expand access to healthcare. Early and consistent community involvement proved vital to CBS, as measured by system performance, local acceptance of EVD activities, and health service provision. The CBS system had high reporting rates, number of alerts signaled, proportion of alerts investigated, and proportion of community referrals that arrived for care. The change in contribution of CBS to total alerts may have been due in part to system strengthening, but also to the expansion in the EVD suspect case definition. Provision of PHC, referral services, and an ambulance network linked EVD response activities to the existing health system and facilitated CBS performance. More importantly, these activities provided a continuum of care that addressed community prioritized health needs. The involvement of local health promotion teams was vital to the CBS and other EVD and PHC activities. Lessons learned include the importance of early and consistent community involvement in surveillance activities and the recommendation to assure local representation in leadership positions.

Chiefs as Agents of Change in Kenya: An Examination of Roles of Pioneer Colonial Chiefs in Gem Location, Siaya County, Kenya (1890-1963)

The positions and responsibilities of District officers (Dos), District Commissioners (DCs), and Provincial Commissioners (PCs) have been widely recognized as integral components of the administrative apparatus aimed at establishing colonial rule in various colonies. However, there has been an expectation for African colonial chiefs to exhibit distinct behavior, deviating from the norm. African Chiefs should have fully endorsed the aspirations of their relatives and community members, particularly in their pursuit of political autonomy and socioeconomic advancement. Due to their failure to adhere to this practice, some chiefs have been stigmatized as vociferous accomplices of the European colonial powers, as well as despots, opportunists, traditionalists, fraudsters, and oppressors of their own populace. However, it is important to note that chiefs had a more extensive role and impact than what has been mentioned thus far. During that period, it is evident that they played significant roles in shaping the political and socio-economic development of their own societies. The focus of this study pertains to the involvement and significance of chiefs within the context of colonial local government administration in Gem locality, Siaya County, Kenya, during the period spanning from 1900 to 1962. Insufficient research has been conducted on the role of local government chiefs in colonial local government administration within the context of Gem history. Consequently, there is a pressing need for rigorous scholarly investigation in this particular area. The Chiefs in the Gem location played a significant role in the establishment and expansion of colonial rule in central Nyanza. However, this study aimed to investigate the process of identifying and recruiting these chiefs, the nature of their responsibilities, the challenges they encountered, and the overall impact of their activities on the Luo community in Gem. The research employed a qualitative methodology for both data gathering and analysis. The research methodology employed a range of instruments, namely library resources, archive materials, and oral interviews. These instruments were selected with careful consideration of factors such as reliability, validity, and ethical considerations. The primary theoretical framework employed in this study was Lugard's theory of indirect rule, as proposed in 1922. The function of chiefs in Gem within the context of colonial local administration has been widely recognized as crucial. These leaders enjoyed considerable privileges and protection, although their authority was greatly limited because to the conflicting and ambiguous positions they held. Moreover, through engaging in collaborative endeavors, chiefs play a pivotal role in driving the systematic progress within central Nyanza and among the clans in Gem. This work holds significance as it adds to the current body of knowledge and expands the understanding of the history of central Nyanza, with a specific focus on the Gem community.

Ethno-Tribal Alienation, Anti-Bullet Charms, and other Factors in the Resurgence of Militancy in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The resurgence of militant groups and the prevailing insecurity situation in the Niger Delta region is the concern of this study. The incessant bombing and vandalisation of oil installation, kidnapping, robbery, etc, has crippled socio-economic activities in the region and Nigeria at large. Although, there exists reports and studies on insecurity in the Niger Delta region, none has provided complete empirical and quantitative account on the effects of ethno-tribal alienation, proliferation of small arms, anti-bullet charms, and amnesty policy inconsistency on the re-emergence of militancy in the Niger Delta region. This knowledge gap justified the relevance of this study. Thus, this study is design to establish the connects between proliferation of small arms, anti-bullet charms, ethno-tribal alienation, amnesty policy inconsistency, insecurity of local chiefs, and the resurgence of militant groups. Findings revealed that Ethno-tribal alienation, proliferation of arms, anti-bullet charms, amnesty policy inconsistency, and insincerity of local chiefs are among the key factors responsible for re-emergence of militancy in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Participants noted that they are aware of the potential for repressive and harsh military action as a result of their actions, thus, the study recommended among others that authorities take a more inclusive approach in dealing with the crisis

Do local CEOs with a strong sense of power foster excessive investment? Evidence from China

ABSTRACT This study investigated whether local Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) with a strong sense of power foster excessive investment compared with non-local CEOs to explore how the psychological impacts of power shape individual behaviour. This study observed a sample comprising 5460 firms from Chinese listed firms yearly between 2008 and 2020. This study found a strong association between local CEOs and excessive investment. The results of this study remain consistent after a series of robustness tests. Further analyses revealed that both CEO overconfidence and power are important factors shaping excessive investment. In conclusion, these findings revealed that local CEOs foster excessive investment owing to the psychological effects of sense of power. This study provides insights into the influence of the CEO’s local status on corporate decision-making, which can be beneficial for policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders.