Assessment of Legislature-Executive Pattern of Relations in Nigeria’s Democratic Governance of the Fourth Republic: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

This study examined legislature-executive pattern of relations in the Nigeria’s democratic governance of the Fourth Republic and its implication on good governance. To realize the above aim, the study relied on descriptive qualitative method and separation of power theory. It also relied on secondary data which included journal articles, textbooks, executive-legislature documents and the 1999 Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. The study upon conclusion revealed that legislature-executive pattern of relations in Nigeria since the return of the Fourth Republic in 1999 had been more at loggerheads and crisis-ridden. It also revealed that this pattern of relations between the institutions, on several instances, had only succeeded in holding back good governance and service delivery to Nigerians. Their crises often overheated the polity, resulting into political instability, delay in the passing of bills and national budget among others. Based on the available revelations above, the study concluded that better relations, democratic consolidation and good governance can only be achieved when the executive and the legislature promote and adhere to the separation of power principles. They must maintain their constitutional jurisdiction to promote an enduring democratic practice, political stability and full representation of the people. The study will be relevant to the institutions, the public, and researchers alike. Further study can also be conducted on executive-judiciary relations under the Fourth Republic.

An Examination of Legislature-Executive Crisis under the APC Led Democratic Governance in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and Its Impact on Good Governance, 2015-2019

“…However, a healthy interaction for public interest and good governance cannot be overemphasized. According to Okpe and Othman (2020), these institutions perform important duties in aiding an active political system, providing better goods and services through good governance, as well as consolidating democracy. With respect to the above, this study aimed to unravel the factors that led to the legislature-executive crisis in Nigeria's fourth republic democratic governance, especially under the APC-led government in 2015-2019.…”

“…This is because in military, monarchy or parliamentary administrations, the institutions, their powers, and functions are often fused. Therefore, in a presidential system, the institutions' relations usually involve the interaction that happens between them (Bassey, 2002, as cited in Okpe & Othman, 2020). This interaction, as revealed by Kopecký (2004), remains one of the important defining characteristics of any working democratic government.…”

“…Because of their vested interest, they often chose crisis over negotiation, and preferred violence over cooperation. Building on the above, Bassey (2002, as cited in Okpe & Othman, 2020) explained the executivelegislature crisis as a situation where the executive opposes the interest or actions of the legislature or vice versa. He added that it involves a state of absolute or partial incompatibility where either institution is in persistent affray with the other.…”

“…Generally, as noted by Okpe and Othman (2020), the pattern of interaction between two state institutions, by implication, can either produce negative or positive impacts to democracy and good governance. On this, Eme and Asadu (2017) asserted that the crisis between the organs could not only represent an important instrument in controlling government excesses but could also serve as a gridlock over important public policies.…”