The Historical Overview of the Evolution of the Legislature in Nigeria

Abstract

This chapter presents a historical overview of the development of the legislative institution, particularly at the federal level, as a foundational basis for understanding the dynamics that define its power and processes as the central institution of governance in Nigeria. From the colonial legislative gathering by name rather than function, the legislature in Nigeria metamorphosed into an institutional structure designed to function as a major stakeholder in the promotion of accountability in government. During the colonial era, the legislative institutions were characterised by the dominance of colonial government leaders who performed all functions in a system of fused legislative and executive powers. This colonial legacy of executive dominance has characterised the practice of presidentialism that promotes a system of separated but shared powers among the three branches of the government. This chapter discussed how the post-independent legislature gradually moved away from the inherited parliamentary system of the First Republic to the presidential system that began in the Second Republic in 1979 through the Fourth Republic that began in May 1999. Incessant military intervention in Nigerian politics since January 1966 shaped the character and culture of the most crucial institution in the country’s political system. The inactive exercise of requisite oversight power to enforce accountability has remained a challenge to the credibility of the country’s democratic culture.