By Correspondent<\/p>\n
A new book \u201cThe Nigerian Legislature: Understanding its impact on democratic governance and national development\u201d has been described as a landmark scholarly contribution that provides a comprehensive examination of the country’s parliamentary evolution, constitutional responsibilities, and the role of the National Assembly in strengthening democratic governance.<\/p>\n
The publication by Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo offers an extensive analysis of legislative practice in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the budget process, the consideration of executive requests for domestic and external borrowing, and the exercise of legislative oversight over the executive arm of government.<\/p>\n
The book reviewer, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang said \u201cthe book chronicles how these constitutional responsibilities were discharged during the leadership of former Senate Presidents Evans Enwerem, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo and Anyim Pius Anyim, as well as former Speakers of the House of Representatives, including Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, Aminu Bello Masari, Patricia Etteh and Dimeji Bankole, spanning the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth National Assemblies.<\/p>\n
He said the book also examines the legislature’s scrutiny of executive nominations for ministerial, ambassadorial, constitutional and other strategic appointments, stressing that Senate confirmation is a constitutional duty requiring diligence, objectivity and independent judgment rather than a ceremonial exercise.
\nThe book further explores the relationship between the legislature and the media, explaining how public perception of parliamentary activities has often been shaped by media reports. It provides context for several legislative decisions that attracted public criticism and seeks to deepen understanding of parliamentary procedures, strengthen citizens’ confidence in the legislature and promote informed engagement by civil society organisations, advocacy groups and the electorate.<\/p>\n
The publication pays tribute to former Senate President Ahmed Lawan for his mentorship and long-standing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions during his 27 years of uninterrupted service in the National Assembly. It also acknowledges the National Assembly for providing the institutional environment that enabled the author to document key legislative developments over many years.<\/p>\n
Enang described the book as the product of extensive research, which combines constitutional and statutory analysis, comparative legislative studies and the author’s years of experience as a parliamentary correspondent and media adviser within the National Assembly.<\/p>\n
Structured to provide both historical and contemporary perspectives, the book traces the evolution of legislative institutions from pre-colonial governance traditions through the colonial era, the Westminster parliamentary system of the First Republic, periods of military rule and the emergence of the current presidential system. It argues that these historical developments continue to shape the character, political culture and operational challenges of Nigeria’s legislature.<\/p>\n
Dedicated chapters examine legislative oversight and accountability mechanisms, assessing the effectiveness of oversight powers, identifying institutional weaknesses and presenting case studies of major legislative investigations.<\/p>\n
Another section focuses on economic governance, offering a detailed analysis of the appropriation process, constituency projects, fiscal federalism and the legislature’s contributions to policy development in key sectors such as education and infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The book also discusses challenges confronting the National Assembly, including institutional capacity gaps, high legislative turnover, ethical concerns, executive-legislative relations, judicial interventions and the broader socio-economic environment. It further assesses the impact of globalisation, digital technology and social media on legislative practice and public engagement.<\/p>\n
Overall, the publication presents a balanced assessment of the achievements and shortcomings of Nigeria’s legislature while proposing reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing accountability and improving legislative effectiveness in the years ahead, Ambassador Ita Enang concluded.<\/p>\n
The Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman said he was not in doubt that this publication will add to the body of knowledge especially as it affects the workings of the legislature in Nigeria, especially given the background of the author and his years of experience working in the legislative space.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that this book will not only be a very valuable contribution to the literature on the Nigerian legislature, it will also be great resource for not only those who work in the legislative space, but those who desire an indepth knowledge on democracy and governance as well\u201d.<\/p>\n
He recommended the book for all students of NILDS and al the departments of the institute.<\/p>\n
Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Barrister Kamorudeen Ogunlana expressed gratitude to the author, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, Media Adviser to the President of the 9th Senate, adding that the book will go a long way to correct some of the misconceptions of the public about the workings of the National Assembly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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