Study of Oversight Functions Mechanism of the Legislature of Cross River State, Nigeria: Focus on Public Funds Appropriation and Usage

Abstract

This study focused on oversight functions mechanism of Cross River State legislature on public funds. Sample size of 900 was adopted for the purpose of the study. Stratified random sampling was used in the study. Stratification was done on the basis of geopolitical zone, political party affiliation and educational status of the respondents. 900 political party members evenly distributed (300 apiece) among the three leading political parties in the last general elections were used as respondents for the purpose of the study. Each respondent has at least an SSCE/WASC educational qualification. 300 respondents were interviewed in each of the geopolitical zones (i.e. South, Central and North). Two hypotheses were tested. Results showed that the political class themselves perceive the Cross River Legislature as not carrying out its oversight function over the state’s Fund Appropriation and usage significantly.

KeyWords : Appropriation, Mechanism, Public Fund, Oversight, Usage