In any democratic society, adherence to legislative compliance is crucial for a smooth and efficient functioning of the government. Democracy thrives on the idea of complementarity among the three arms of government for effective delivery of good governance.
This article explores the importance of legislative compliance by the executive arm of government and its impact on governance, accountability, and the overall well-being of the society.
In Nigeria, like in other democracies, while the legislature makes laws, the executive is responsible for implementing them. The flouting of those laws and policies attracts punishments pronounced by the judiciary. By implication, the three arms are expected to work in complimentary roles to stabilize the society.for the good of all.
However, if the legislature makes laws and the executive refuses to play a pivotal role in ensuring that those laws are followed and enforced, the outcome will be a society of anarchy. That was the concern that recently made the chairman of the National Assembly and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to urge the executive to be more responsive to legislative issues.
Akpabio’s message was not an indictment of the entire executive arm, but a clarion call to those wont to be sluggish and less concerned about the general issue of governance. It was a subtle warning to those who believe in “business as usual” approach, not minding if the “usual” lacks a utilitarian flavour.
As he decried the attitude of some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), often in the habit of snubbing the summons of the Committees of the National Assembly as well as the laws and resolutions of the legislature, Akpabio signalled his commitment to help change the narrative of governance for the better.
As said earlier, legislative compliance, particularly in implementation by the executive, guarantees governance and rule of law. Clearly, when the laws enacted by the legislature are effectively implemented, they provide a framework for governance and stability. By adhering to legislative requirements, the executive arm helps maintain order and justice within the society, fostering an environment where citizens can trust in the fairness and impartiality of government actions.
Moreover, complying with legislative outputs promote accountability and transparency. It has been argued by political experts that when the government complies with legislation, it becomes easier for the citizens and relevant oversight bodies to monitor and evaluate the actions of the executive. This accountability fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the government’s ability to act in the best interests of the people. By complying with legislative requirements, the executive arm demonstrates its commitment to transparency, allowing citizens to have a clear understanding of government decisions and policies.
Also, legislative compliance by the executive arm also helps in curbing corruption and preventing abuse of power. This is where the principle of Seperations of Power becomes relevant in a democracy. When the executive follows the laws and regulations set by the legislative branch, it reduces the chances of unauthorized actions that may harm the public interest or violate individual rights.
It does appear that Akpabio did not only have his eyes on transparency and accountability, but also on justice and protection of human rights. For Plato, justice consists in everyone doing his due. He does not see justice as mere strength, but a harmonious one. Justice is not the right of the stronger but the effective harmony of the whole. All moral conceptions revolve about the good of the whole – individual as well as social. Applying this to Akpabio’s appeal to the executive for legislative compliance, it is clear that he aimed at ensuring a harmonious government for the benefit of the masses.
It is in a society, as aforepictured, that protection of human rights and justice can be effectively ensured. It is common expectation that laws enacted by the legislature often aim to protect individual liberties,and promote equity and social justice. The manifestation of the above expectations becomes easy when the executive complies with the laws, thus contributing to the protection of human rights and equitable treatment of all. On the reverse, non-compliance can lead to violations of constitutional rights, making the executive arm accountable for any potential harm caused by disregarding legislation.
There is also the issue of effective policy implementation. Policies and programs designed to meet societal needs cannot be effective, if they are not executed in accordance with the law. By understanding and adhering to legislative outputs, the executive arm can ensure that policies are implemented effectively, efficiently, and in a manner consistent with the intended goals. Compliance allows for meticulous planning, proper allocation of resources, and overall enhanced policy outcomes.
Legislative compliance by the executive arm of government is of paramount importance for the successful functioning of a democratic society. It promotes governance, accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights. By adhering to legislative requirements, the executive arm ensures the effective implementation of policies, leading to favorable outcomes for the society as a whole. Consequently, fostering a culture of legislative compliance within the executive arm is vital for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring a just and fair society.
In summary, legislative compliance is crucial for the successful functioning of a democratic society. It upholds the rule of law, promotes accountability and transparency, prevents corruption, and ensures the protection of human rights. By adhering to legislative requirements, the executive arm plays a vital role in maintaining a just and fair society for its citizens.
* Usoro, a public affairs analyst and communications expert, wrote in from Lagos.

First, they ignore you. Second, they laugh at you. Third, they fight you. Fourth, you win! I love this statement by Indhira Ghandi. You know, when Yahaya Bello wanted to contest as the Governor of Kogi state in 2015, the enemies didn’t think he was anything serious. When he emerged second in APC primaries, they laughed at him with drops of hot shit on their pants. When God chose him, they fought him, like seriously. After that, he won!

I recall my conversation with a caller a few years ago after I published a newspaper article titled “what if God chose Yahaya Bello again?”. The caller asked me: why do you think that God may choose Yahaya Bello for a second tenure? Was God the one who chose him in the first place? I was surprised at the caller’s intellectual, or perhaps, spiritual glaucoma, which made him unable to see the divinity of the decision that rendered the best constitutional lawyers incompetent against Yahaya Bello! Anyway, I do not intend to waste your time on this past, but as it turned out, God chose Yahaya Bello again in 2019, thus proving that his emergence the first time was the supreme plan from His Throne of Providence.

Over the last eight years, Yahaya Bello leadership has been trailed by challenging cabinet mischief and opposition struggles against him by individuals and groups he has helped the most. They say, such is politics. I say, such is not politics. Such is rather the social accident associated with being good to people. Please do not get me wrong. I do not mean to say that you should not be, or stop being, good to people. Surely, the good end is for those who are good to people, as has been exemplified with Yahaya Bello in the victory of Usman Ododo.

The recent video which shows Yahaya Bello expressing disappointment with some members of his cabinet is a clear indication that the Governor has not only been fighting external enemies, but also, and more importantly, that he has been fighting internal enemies and saboteurs! For God’s sake, what experience could be worse than hosting your own enemies, trusting in them for advice, and laboring day and night for their wellbeing? From the Governor’s statements, it is apparent that he hasn’t just come to know about this fact. He knew it long ago, just as many observers knew that he was surrounded by sworn collaborative enemies of his!

However, as a matter of leadership principle, he chose to be patient about it until an appointed time. If anyone ask them “how did you become the enemies of someone who raised you from nothing to something?” They are sure to reply “we are not his enemies. We only saw in him an objectionable preference for someone else.” These words are common among people who are ungrateful and covetous.

Yahaya Bello had all along played the fool of a strategic and visionary leader by paying more attention to the needs of people outside his own tribal family and investing on individuals whom he thought were his ambassadors of good governance. He prioritize the unity of the people of Kogi state in his appointments, policies, and projects, and did the best that was possible under severe contestations to improve the overall wellbeing of the people! It is rare in Nigeria to find political leaders that will go outside the Aristocrats to raise the sons and daughters of commoners to positions of wealth and authority, but Yahaya Bello did that! After they were raised up and they became rich, they said Yahaya Bello disappointed them, and they started digging pits for him to fall into. Look at that!

If Yahaya Bello had will, he could have removed and wrecked them one after the other over the time, but he invoked patience on himself and allowed them to dwell in comfort while he kept his mind focused on ensuring that Ebira people do not miss the next democratic opportunity to lead the state. Tell me, who among you in Bello’s position would not have scattered the family with your kind of enemies therein? If the Ebira people have a formidable and reliable leader today, it is Yahaya Bello! I recognize this, and therefore would like to appeal to His Excellency to remember the saying of the Ebira ancestors that “oza oku ozi uda avi avi ni”. This means the bearing of a troubling headload is upon the elder or leader.

We know that you have everything it takes to deal with these guys, and you could have done so earlier than now, but your choice to be patient is a demonstration of your strength and obedience to the commandment of Allah Who put you in charge of us. I invite your Excellency to remain patient and defend this evil with good in the hope that those who have the heart that learns will come to know that patience, contentment, and loyalty are a virtue in politics.

I congratulate Alhaji Usman Ododo on his victory and pray for his guidance to deliver God’s purpose in leadership. God bless Yahaya Bello. God bless Kogi State. God bless Nigeria!

Prof. Yakubu wrote in from Zaria.