Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 8, No. 2, 2010
Pages 190-204
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/0102.80.0270
The Legislature and the Challenge of Corruption in Africa: The Nigerian Case
Stephen Akinyerni Lafcnwa
Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
The paper investigated the power and role of the legislature in resolving political corruption as one 0f the challenges facing democratization project in Nigeria. The paper revealed that contrary to the opinion that national legislature declining in terms of the roles they perform in democracies, the National Assembly in Nigeria is central t0 the resolution of the challenge posed by political corruption to Nigeria’s democracy and development. The national assembly through its exercise of investigative powers and establishment of some legal instruments was able to expose sonic corrupt practices between 1999 and 2008. Due to the identified Limitations regarding its performance of this function. the paper argued that the effectiveness of the legislature in the resolution of democratic challenges hinges on the performance of this functions according to the rules and norms of democracy and the resolution of its internal crisis, The paper posited that democracy can flourish in Nigeria and Africa if the capacity of legislatures at all levels could he strengthened to address critical issues relating to constitutionalism, corruption, poverty and the national question, check the excesses of the executive, and collaborate with the judiciary to avert the consequences 0f “democracy by court order”, as well as empower and work with the civil society. By implication at more pro-active National assembly that is ready to set the priorities right as well as resolve its internal crisis democratically. is critically needed in Nigeria.
Keywords: Legislature, Democracy, National Assembly, development, political corruption, Nigeria