The Nigerian Executive and Legislature Relationship: Need for a Balance

In every democratic setting, it is clear that a smooth relationship between the executive arm of government and the legislative arm of government is a sine qua non for a good governance, and vice versa. In Nigeria, this relationship is really a topical problem as each of these arms is seen fighting hard to establish its supremacy over the other, despite the various platforms provided by the Constitution for a synergy between them. 

Introduction

As a matter of introduction, there is no gain-saying the fact that a smooth working relationship between the executive arm of government and the legislative arm of government is a sine qua non for an effective democracy and good governance in any given society. The both arms of government share a common purpose to wit to serve the people and see to their welfare and security. Therefore, when there is an unhealthy rivalry between these two arms of government, the poor citizens will be at the receiving end. This is more so because a conflictual relationship between them will no doubt disrupt the proper formulation and implementation of public policies which are the aggregate product of decision aimed at executing plans to refocus the direction of the generality of a particular society or nation. 1Suffice it to say therefore that a legislative – executive synergy is a panacea for good governance of the society and vice versa. In Nigeria, today, the quest for good governance has been at the mercy if a continuous rivalry between the executive and the legislature. The conflict has been in existence over the years and has been argued to trace to the colonial era in Nigeria. 2The two arms are most often entangled in constant battle for supremacy and control of its policymaking and implementation process, thereby jettisoning the tenets of the principles of separation of powers which clearly state that the three arms of government shall be independent of each other. There is impunity and flagrant disregard for the rule of law noticeably among members of the   executive   and   the   parliament   both   at   the   national   and   state   levels   in   Nigeria   since   the commencement of the fourth republic which has contributed squarely to the growth of political instability in the country. The cardinal principle of separation of powers and checks and balance shave been nipped in the bud as the executive arm of government is seen trampling on the other two arms of government.