Executive Legislative Relations And Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria's Fourth Republic

ABSTRACT

The necessity of building a workable synergy and desirable relationship between the forces of government both at the levels of executive and legislative systems towards ensuring democratic consolidation lies at the heart of this research.The Fourth Republic came into existence in 1999, this came after a long period of military interregnum. Democracy was highly embraced by all with expected hope it will deliver good dividends and socio-economic development. But not far into the Fourth Republic, the body polity became overheated by lots of challenges namely: corruption, electoral abnormalities, politics of godfatherism amongst others. Also the relationship between the executive and legislature, have been one of a cat-mouse game, especially with the frequent change of leadership especially during the Obasanjo’s second coming as a civilian president. These relations between the executive and legislature have contributed to democratic consolidation both positively and negatively in Nigeria. This is what the researcher has in mind to contribute to the existing body of knowledge showing how cordial relations between the two arms can help in democratic consolidation as democratic consolidation is a process and not an achievement.