ACCESS TO JUSTICE: IMPLICATIONS OF LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria provides for separation of powers. Hence, government is compartmentalized into three basic arms- the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. The three arms are distinct, separate and independent of one another in terms of personnel and functions. There exists a system of checks and balances between them in the performance of their respective functions. The Legislature makes laws for peace and order in the country. The Executive mainly executes the laws, rules and regulations, while the Judiciary interprets the law and the legality of the actions or inactions of the other arms. The Legislature is also empowered to oversight the functions of the government and its agencies. This oversight functions and its access to justice implications is the core of this essay. The doctrine research method is adopted and is contended that apart from its effect on governance, it indirectly constitutes an avenue, for accessing justice in Nigeria.