Senator Evan Enwerem and Senator Chuba Okadigbo Senator Alhaji Haruna Abubakar and The Attorney-General of the Federation andThe Senate of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (Unreported Suit No. FHC/ABj/192/2000)

Abstract

Introduction

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria established a presidential system of government with three organs of government — the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. To ensure accountability and to curb abuse of power, the Constitution entrenched the twin doctrines of separation of power and checks and balances. The Legislature among others is charged with the responsibility of law making. To ensure the effective discharge of its functions, Section 50 of the Constitution establishes the office of President, Deputy President, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker of the Senate and House of Representatives respectively. In addition to this provision, the Standing Rules of both Houses of the National Assembly provides for the Leader, Chief Whip, and other principal officers of the House.