Al-Hikmah University Convocation Lecture, Honorary Doctorate Degree
Earlier today, I was in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, where I had the honour of delivering the Convocation Lecture during the 15th Convocation Ceremony of Al-Hikmah University.
The lecture, titled “Managing Executive–Legislature Relations towards Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic,” focused on the evolving relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
As a member of the House of Representatives in 1999 and now in the Senate, I noted that the executive and the legislature need to work together to address the challenges facing our beloved country.
I also took time to explain the basis of the cordial and productive working relationship between the National Assembly and the executive arm under His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The president always engages us. He talks to us. As a former senator and former governor, he understands the importance of collaboration between the two arms.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, announced the university’s resolution to confer an honorary doctorate degree on me. He said the investiture would be done at a later date.
Highlights of the event included the commissioning of the newly constructed female hostel for postgraduate students at the institution and the presentation of awards to me by students’ bodies in recognition of my contributions to the development of education in the country.
- Presented below is the convocation lecture I delivered.
1.0 Introduction
The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikma University, respected members of the Governing Council and Senate, eminent scholars, leadership of the Alumni Association, distinguished guests, parents, and graduands good morning to you all and compliment of the season. I am deeply honoured to deliver this Convocation Lecture at this esteemed institution renowned for integrating knowledge with moral and civic responsibility. I congratulate the graduands whose academic journey culminates today and whose future participation in Nigeria’s democratic development project is both inevitable and deserving at no better time than now.
The theme of this lecture, “Managing Executive-Legislature Relations towards Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic,” addresses one of the most enduring challenges of constitutional democracy in Nigeria. Since the return to civil rule in 1999, Nigeria has made appreciable progress in democratic endurance, yet the quality of governance and institutional harmony continues to test our political maturity. At the centre of this challenge lies the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature whose interactions profoundly shape democratic outcomes.
The paper therefore seeks to evaluate the potentials of separation of powers as major feature of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and explore how executive-legislature relations influence democratic consolidation in Nigeria within the period under consideration.
2.0 Conceptualising Democratic Consolidation
Democratic consolidation refers to the process through which democracy becomes stable, institutionalised, and broadly accepted as the only legitimate framework for governance (Linz & Stepan, 1996). A consolidated democracy is one in which political actors, institutions, and citizens internalise democratic norms, and where the probability of democratic breakdown becomes remote.
In Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, democratic consolidation extends beyond the regular conduct of elections. It encompasses adherence to constitutionalism, respect for separation of powers, accountability, rule of law, and effective inter-institutional collaboration (Diamond, 1999). The Executive-Legislature relationship therefore constitutes a critical arena in which democratic values are either strengthened or undermined.
3.0 Theoretical Foundations of Executive-Legislature Relations
Nigeria operates a presidential system modelled on the principle of separation of powers, with checks and balances designed to prevent authoritarian dominance by any arm of government. Montesquieu’s classical theory posits that liberty is best preserved when governmental powers are separated yet coordinated (Montesquieu, 1748/1989).
However, separation of powers does not imply isolation or antagonism. Rather, it presupposes structured interaction, mutual restraint, and institutional respect. Executive-Legislature relations thus fluctuates between cooperation and oversight, collaboration and partial disagreement. Where these dynamics are poorly managed, governance paralysis, institutional conflicts, and democratic regression may occur (Shugart & Carey, 1992).
4.0 Executive-Legislature Relations in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic
Since 1999, Nigeria’s Executive-Legislature relations have evolved through distinct phases, ranging from intense confrontation to cautious cooperation. Early years of the Fourth Republic were marked by frequent conflicts over leadership of the National Assembly, budgetary processes, impeachment threats, and oversight functions which constitute impediments towards democratic consolidation after prolonged military rule (Alemika & Omotosho, 2013).
These tensions often stemmed from:
- Executive dominance inherited from prolonged military rule;
- Weak institutional capacity within the Legislature;
- Partisan competition overriding constitutional responsibility; and
- Personalisation of power rather than institutional governance (Suberu, 2010).
Nonetheless, the Legislature has progressively asserted its constitutional role in law-making, representation, and oversight, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s democratic process.
5.0 Constitutional Roles and Boundaries
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Altered) clearly delineates the powers of the Executive and the Legislature. While the Executive is responsible for policy initiation and implementation, the Legislature is vested with powers of law-making, appropriation, and oversight.
Budgetary control remains a major interface between both arms. Legislative scrutiny of executive spending is a cornerstone of accountability and fiscal discipline.
Effective democratic consolidation requires that both arms operate within constitutional boundaries while recognising the legitimacy of each other’s mandates as clearly established in various constitutional and legal frameworks.
6.0 Oversight, Accountability, and Democratic Governance
Legislative oversight is not an act of hostility but a democratic necessity. Through investigations, hearings, and confirmations, the Legislature ensures that executive actions align with public interest and legal standards (Barkan, 2009). When oversight is politicised or weaponised, it erodes public confidence and weakens democratic institutions.
Conversely, when the Executive undermines legislative oversight through coercion, inducement, or administrative obstruction, it fosters executive dominance and democratic fragility. Democratic consolidation thrives where oversight is constructive, evidence-based, and anchored in national interest. This culture is prioritized in both the Legislative Agenda of the Senate and House of Representatives within the period under reference to sustain the objectives of law-making for the peace order and good governance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
7.0 Political Parties and Executive-Legislature Relations
Political parties significantly mediate Executive-Legislature relations in Nigeria. Party discipline can facilitate policy coherence, yet excessive executive control of party structures often compromises legislative independence (Omotola, 2009).
Intra-party democracy, respect for internal dissent, and ideological clarity are essential for healthy inter-arm relations. Legislators must balance party loyalty with constitutional responsibility, while executives must recognise that legislative independence strengthens democratic governance.
8.0 Towards Effective Management of Executive-Legislature Relations
To deepen democratic consolidation in Nigeria, the following imperatives are critical:
8.1 Institutional Respect and Dialogue
Regular, structured engagement between both arms can pre-empt conflicts and foster policy synergy without compromising independence.
8.2 Strengthening Legislative Capacity
Technical expertise, research support, and administrative autonomy enhance legislative effectiveness and reduce undue executive dependence. The establishment of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) as well as the National Assembly Library Trust Fund are targeted towards enhancing legislative capacity for constructive engagements with the executive. This development has no doubt contributed in reducing political tension that characterized the political environment in the early part of the Fourth Republic when such opportunities do not exist.
8.4 Adherence to Constitutionalism
Personal or partisan interests must never supersede constitutional provisions. This strategy will actualize the tenants of rule of law by ensuring equality, objectivity and impartiality in the governance process.
8.5 Civic and Democratic Education
Public understanding of democratic roles promotes accountability and restrains institutional excesses.
8.6 Ethical Political Leadership
Democratic consolidation ultimately depends on leaders who prioritise national interest over personal ambition. The ability to balance these competing interests will require a platform that legislature and executive will utilize to consolidate democratic governance for national development.
8.7 Strengthening Internal Democracy
Political parties should strengthen internal democracy to complement development of Legislative Agenda that reflects shared political goals and issues that promote public interest.
The implementation of the foregoing strategies will undoubtedly consolidate our democratic governance where the executive and legislature will continue to sustain a symbiotic relations predicated on mutual trust, preservance of institutional integrity and delivery of constitutional responsibilities to meet the objectives of governance within the context of existing legal frameworks.
9.0 Conclusion
Distinguished audience, Nigeria’s Fourth Republic has endured longer than any previous democratic experiment in our history. This endurance, however, must be matched with qualitative democratic deepening. Managing Executive–Legislature relations with wisdom, restraint, and constitutional fidelity is central to this task.
As graduands of Al-Hikma University step into society, I urge you to uphold democratic values, demand accountable governance, and contribute intellectually and ethically to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation. Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone, but by enlightened citizens and principled leaders.
I congratulate Al-Hikma University on its commitment to producing graduates equipped, not only with knowledge, but with civic responsibility. May Nigeria’s democracy continue to grow in strength, stability, and service to the people.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
References
Alemika, E. E. O., & Omotosho, M. (2013). Federalism and democratic governance in Nigeria. Spectrum Books.
Barkan, J. D. (2009). Legislative power in emerging African democracies. Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Diamond, L. (1999). Developing democracy: Toward consolidation. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Linz, J. J., & Stepan, A. (1996). Problems of democratic transition and consolidation. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Montesquieu. (1989). The spirit of the laws (A. M. Cohler et al., Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1748)
Okoosi-Simbine, A. T. (2010). Understanding the role and challenges of the legislature in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Journal of Legislative Studies, 16(3), 1–17.
Omotola, J. S. (2009). Nigerian parties and political ideology. Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences, 1(3), 612–634.
Shugart, M. S., & Carey, J. M. (1992). Presidents and assemblies: Constitutional design and electoral dynamics. Cambridge University Press.
Suberu, R. T. (2010). The Nigerian federal system: Performance, problems and prospects. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 28(4), 459–477.
