Imperatives of Legislative Oversight Function in Nigerian Democratic System

Abstract

This study, Imperatives of Legislative Oversight Function in Nigeria Democratic System examines the strength and level of separation of powers, among the three tiers of government, the autonomy, checks and balances among the arms. The study established that the legislative organ is incapacitated from carrying out effective legislation for good governance because of inadequate autonomy, the executive usurpation of legislative powers by involving in oversight function, the problem of god-fatherism and corrupt tendencies of most members of the legislative houses. This work therefore posited that to ensure effective legislation that will bring about good governance in the polity, there should be independent choice of candidates, free and fair election, financial autonomy of the legislature and regular oversight function, devoid of financial and material benefits or inducement by members of the legislative arm.

Keywords: Legislative, Oversight function, Democracy, Good governance, Transparency and Accountability.