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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