By Chief Peter Ameh
THE separation of powers is a fundamental concept in a democracy that ensures that checks and balances exist, allowing each arm of government -Legislative, Executive, Judicial – check the excesses of the others thereby preventing abuse and tyranny.
This concept promotes the protection of Individual rights: separation of powers safeguards citizens’ rights and freedoms and the prevention of authoritarianism. No single arm of government should dominate the others as we are witnessing in Nigeria under the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and if this trend continues then it will lead to authoritarian rule.
This principle of separation of power supports the rule of law: Separation of powers upholds the principle of the rule of law, ensuring equal treatment under the law while strengthening public trust.
Facilitates Independent Decision-Making:
Each branch can make decisions independently, without undue arm-twisting.
Ensures Constitutional Integrity:
Separation of powers protects the constitution and its principles, preserving democratic foundations.
By separating powers, democracies safeguard against abuse of power, ensuring a balanced and accountable government that serves the interests of the people.
Weak legislative leadership as evident in the 10th National Assembly can have far-reaching negative effects on our dear country’s development and its democracy,
- Ineffective governance: Inability to pass crucial legislation, leading to policy paralysis.
- Lack of accountability: Failure to hold the executive branch accountable for their actions is a sign of weakness and inability to probe the executive arm of government.
- Erosion of trust: Public disillusionment with the political process and institutions.
- Lack of legislative independence will naturally result in an undue influence: especially by the executive arm of government to exploit the power vacuum.
- Weakened checks and balances: Allowing the executive arm to dominate the political landscape.
- Inefficient resource allocation: Inability to effectively allocate resources, leading to waste and inefficiency.
- Stagnant economic growth: Lack of people-oriented legislation to drive economic development.
- Social injustice: Failure to address pressing social issues, exacerbating inequality and discrimination.
- Damage to democratic institutions: Undermining the legitimacy and effectiveness of democratic institutions.
Strong legislative leadership is essential for a healthy democracy, ensuring accountability, effective governance, and representation of the people’s interests.
On the flip side, the suppression of dissent in a democracy by the leadership of the 10th National Assembly is a worrying trend that can have far-reaching consequences on our 25 years of interrupted democratic progress in Nigeria because it can lead to the collapse of the fabric that makes democracy flourish within a country.
- Erosion of civil liberties: Limiting freedom of speech, assembly, and expression.
- Stifling debate and discussion: Chilling effect on public discourse and idea exchange.
- Marginalization of minority views: Silencing already vulnerable voices and perspectives.
- Concentration of power: Consolidating power in the hands of a few, undermines democratic checks and balances.
- Lack of accountability: Unchecked government action leading to potential abuses of power.
- Polarization and division: Fostering an “us versus them” mentality, further dividing society.
- Undermining democratic legitimacy: Eroding trust in democratic institutions and processes.
- Encouraging authoritarianism: Paving the way for authoritarian tendencies and democratic backsliding.
- Stifling creativity and innovation: Suppressing new ideas and perspectives that drive progress.
- Damaging social cohesion: Exacerbating social tensions and fragmenting society.
In a healthy democracy, dissenting voices should be encouraged, heard, and respected, as they provide essential feedback and contribute to informed decision-making.
- Chief Peter Ameh is the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and former National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
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