A new book “The Nigerian Legislature: Understanding its impact on democratic governance and national development” 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.
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.
The book reviewer, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang said, “the 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.”
He said the book also examines the legislature’s scrutiny of executive nominations for ministerial, ambassadorial, constitutional and other strategic appointments, adding that Senate confirmation is a constitutional duty requiring diligence, objectivity and independent judgment rather than a ceremonial exercise.
The 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.