The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, has faulted the frequent misunderstanding that exists between the Executive and Legislative arms of government in the country, placing the blame squarely on Ministers and other officials at the Presidency as well as perceptions that the public holds on the parliament, oyogist.com reports.
The Speaker who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Lanre Lasisi, on Monday October 5, 2020, in a 2-day dialogue session for high ranking officials of the Executive and Legislative branches of government for the enhancement of partnership, said the efforts to adhere to their constitutional role of oversight, normally provokes friction between the two arms.
The speaker shared his regrets that their responsibility to play the role of oversight on the activities of the government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) has proven to be a source of misunderstanding between them and the executive.
In company of his colleagues to the retreat, the speaker emphasized that the Nigerian system of government, gives the Legislature an important task of partnering with the executive through oversight functions which remains their obligation in ensuring that the principle of checks and balance is observed for the delivery of good governance.
Speaker Femi however suggested a robust understanding and relationship between the two arms particularly on the legislative arm and its legal duties, as well encouraged the media to properly relay the activities of the legislature as it affects the citizens for their full understanding and appreciation by the masses.
While calling for mutual understanding and for the right information to be pushed out for public consumption, the speaker categorically explained that their role of carrying oversight function is in no way to give an overbearing impression, but a collective effort for proper administration of the executive arm and their roles.
The two day retreat is to provide a middle ground between both arms towards the growth and development of the country through strengthened capacity.
