The Implications of Executive-Legislative Conflicts on Good Governance in Nigeria

Abstract

The legislature and executive are two very important political institutions in presidential democratic regimes and they have a very critical task to play in promoting good governance. The achievement of this task however is dependent on whether the relationship that exists between these institutions is constructive or conflictive. In Nigeria’s Fourth Republic for example, the relationship between the executive and legislature has been characterised more by dysfunctional conflicts which often deadlocks the policy making and implementation process, ultimately inhibiting good governance. More worrisome is the fact that even after thirteen years of democratisation in Nigeria, the political players have refused to wean themselves off from the culture of impunity and flagrant disregard to the rule of law, which are the twin evil introduced into the country’s body politics by the military. These factors and others have remained the triggers of political conflicts in Nigeria especially between the executive and legislative arms of government. This study therefore carried out an incisive analysis of the implications of executive-legislative conflicts on good governance in Nigeria and it clearly found out that executive-legislative conflicts have profound negative and positive impacts on good governance in the country. The research methodology adopted in this study is both descriptive and analytical. In conclusion, the study recommends that both the executive and legislature should respect and strictly adhere to the tenets of the principles of separation of powers so as to avoid frictions that could be counter-productive to the discharge of their constitutional duties, while embracing dialogue in resolving their differences. It is also imperative that both institutions should see themselves as complementary partners in the administration of the Nigerian state and as such synergize in the policy making and implementation process with a view to promoting good governance in Nigeria.

Key Words: Conflict, Executive, Legislature, Governance and Good Governance.