Abstract
The chapter examined the origin, importance and relationship of the legislature with other arms of government in Nigeria. It historicized the developmental trajectory of the legislature in Nigeria, and observed that the legislature before independence performed advisory and ratificatory function. It further examined the structure of the legislature in Nigeria which consists of political and administrative frameworks that enable it to achieve its mandate. To understand the relationship between the legislature and other arms of government, it predicated analysis on the principle and theory of separation of power. As a principle guided with the doctrine of checks and balances, it helps us to understand the relationship between the three arms of government. It was observed that legislative efforts and powers are usually channelled into making laws for the wellbeing of the country and checkmating the excesses of other arms of government through its oversight function. As a body that embodies the will and aspirations of the people, the legislature essentially but not exclusively represents a solution to the myriad of problems confronting many democracies in the world. Hence, the legislature all over the world is a fundamental institution for the survival and consolidation of democracy.
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Chilaka, C.F., Obianua, O.U., Idowu, A.H. (2021). The Legislature in Nigeria: Origin, Significance and Relationship with Other Arms of Government. In: Aremu, F.A., Bakare, A.R. (eds) Two Decades of Legislative Politics and Governance in Nigeria’s National Assembly. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4455-6_2
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