This book examines the problem of accountability in two African political systems, South Africa and Nigeria. Despite the principle of separation of powers and the doctrine of checks and balances among the institutions of governance, a burgeoning governance crisis stifles the potential of accountability and good governance. Legislative oversight in the two countries remains largely ineffective while citizens are left to face the consequences of the mismanagement of public resources by political elites. This book critically assesses how the legislative institutions in South Africa and Nigeria have been unable to harness the requisite constitutional powers to ensure accountability in government and explores the feasibility of their effectiveness. The book begins with a comparative analysis of the principles, tradition, and powers associated with legislative capability in South Africa and Nigeria. The chapters explore constitutional provisions and analyze the capacity of each legislature to function within its respective political environment. The book also examines the process and challenges associated with the various measures and mechanisms available for legislatures to ensure accountability in the two countries. Researchers, scholars and students of African politics will find this book useful in their understanding of the problems associated with the simmering governance crisis in South Africa and Nigeria.

This book examines the problem of accountability in two African political systems, South Africa and Nigeria. Despite the principle of separation of powers and the doctrine of checks and balances among the institutions of governance, a burgeoning governance crisis stifles the potential of accountability and good governance. Legislative oversight in the two countries remains largely ineffective while citizens are left to face the consequences of the mismanagement of public resources by political elites. This book critically assesses how the legislative institutions in South Africa and Nigeria have been unable to harness the requisite constitutional powers to ensure accountability in government and explores the feasibility of their effectiveness. The book begins with a comparative analysis of the principles, tradition, and powers associated with legislative capability in South Africa and Nigeria. The chapters explore constitutional provisions and analyze the capacity of each legislature to function within its respective political environment. The book also examines the process and challenges associated with the various measures and mechanisms available for legislatures to ensure accountability in the two countries. Researchers, scholars and students of African politics will find this book useful in their understanding of the problems associated with the simmering governance crisis in South Africa and Nigeria.

Chapter 1: The Legislature and Accountability: Analysis of Forms, Roles, and Processes.- Chapter 2: A Perspective on the Principle of Constitutionalism Regarding the Executive and Legislative Accountability in South Africa.- Chapter 3: Legislative Oversight and the Burden of Altruism: A Comparative Examination of Nigeria and South Africa.- Chapter 4:  Oversight Function of the National Assembly and the Crisis of Governance in Nigeria.- Chapter 5: Comparative Analysis of Roles of Legislatures in Nigeria and South Africa.- Chapter 6: Executive-Legislative Relationship and the Promotion of Accountability and Transparency in South Africa.- Chapter 7: Legislative-Executive Corruption and Good Governance in Nigeria: Insight from Buhari's Administration.- Chapter 8: The Prospect of an Accountable Legislature in Nigeria: Insights from Selected States  since 1999.- Chapter 9: Citizen Engagement in Publc Policy-Making as an Accountability Tool.- Chapter 10: Constraints and Prospects for Legislative oversight in Emerging African Democracies: The Case of South Africa.- Chapter 11: How Effective is SCOPA as an Instrument of Legislative Oversight to Promote Good Governance in the Republic of South Africa.- Chapter 12:  Digital Technologies, Governance and Parliament -People Relations.-  Chapter 13: Playing Nollywood with Parliamentary Duties:The Nigerian National Assembly as a Theater of Politics of the the Amusement Park.- Chapter 14:  Anti-Corruption Campaigns and the Imperative for Effective Legislative Oversight in Nigeria.- Chapter 15:  Good Governance through Public Participation in Legislative Oversight.- Chapter 16: Interrogating the Constitutional Requisites for Legislative Oversight in the Promotion of Accountability and Good Governance in South Africa and Nigeria.- Chapter 17: A Reflection on the Legislature in a Politico-Administrative System.