Opinion I Role of Legislature in Public Policy Making

ROLE OF LEGISLATURE IN PUBLIC POLICY MAKING PROCESS

        

In Nigeria, likewise other democratic societies, there are three major arms of government established by law; namely, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

       

The executive is mainly concerned with execution or implementation of policies, the legislature on its part establishes the policies or laws, whilst the judiciary which is invariably referred to as the ‘third arm of government’ is tasked with day-to-day interpretation of any of these policies as well as involved in penalizing anyone found guilty of violating them.

       

The legislature of any democratic state is just like its backbone, because it remains the only arm that has the power to institutionalize any form of policy. Though the three arms are all deeply needed in public policy making process, the legislature stands as the originator of such policy.

        

For instance, if the executive arm proposes any lofty policy, constitutionally, the legislature is required to ensure that such policy becomes institutionalized. In other words, it is the legislators that would help to pass the proposed policy into law; thereof, the executive would ensure its proper implementation. It is noteworthy that any public policy that is yet to be established by the legislature would not stand the test of time. It suffices to say that it could fade away the moment the serving government that introduced it leaves the seat of power.

        

More so, the legislature – in its oversight functions – ensures that any established policy is duly implemented by the executive. Hence, it is part of the duty of the legislature to monitor the daily implementation of any existing policy with a view to ensuring that no lapse is created therein.

        

The above stated critical role of the legislature in public policy making process is the reason any public servant could be summoned by the said arm of government whenever necessary. The legislators popularly known as ‘the lawmakers’ have the constitutional right to invite any public office holder when a job is purportedly not properly done, or if such officer is found wanting. In such case, even the President of the country is not an exception.

        

The statutory unique role of the legislature in public policy making process has made it to appear like the general overseer of any extant policy, thus could be described as the mouthpiece of the people in their entirety. Its power allows it to make, ensure adequate implementation of any policy as well as see that any alleged violator is duly brought to book by the judiciary.

         

When any proposed policy is tendered on the floor of the legislature, it becomes a bill. The bill is expected to be read thrice by the legislators on three different plenary sittings of the legislators. Thereof, if it is unanimously accepted, either on a motion or by voting, it would be passed into law.

        

Consequently, the executive precisely the Presidency would be required to assent to it. Having endorsed/signed the policy, it would therein be referred to as an extant or functional public policy to be aided by the overall citizenry.  

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

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