GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT

This paper investigated the roles of local government chairmen in curbing social vices among rural youths in Akwa Ibom State. Local government chairmen are seen as the nearest government to the people and, thus, a channel through which the community feels the pulse of other higher levels of government. Therefore, the roles that local government chairmen play in curbing social vices were also identified in this paper. However, this paper identified social vices as bad traits, unhealthy and negative behaviors that are against the morality of a society and frowned upon by its members. Some of these vices were reviewed but are not limited to: bribery and corruption, cultism, sexual promiscuity, and drug abuse. Therefore, the conclusion is that the roles played by local government chairmen in curbing social vices are very significant due to the fact that the local communities possess various networks used in combating crimes. One of the recommendations made in this paper was that local government chairmen are seen as the third tier of government that is closest to the people. Thus, they should strive for a better and suitable management structure and skills for managing social vices.