The Judiciary and Presidential Democracy in Nigeria: A Synthetic Analysis

The study analyzed the roles of the judiciary in Nigeria’s presidential democracy using secondary source of data. The secondary source of data includes textbooks, magazines, Newspapers, Journals and other documentary materials relevant to the study. The judiciary as the third arm of Nigeria’s government is appointed by the Executive on the advice of the Federal and State Judicial service commission, subject to the approval of the Legislature. The role of the judiciary includes interpretation of the constitution/laws, adjudicating of cases in courts, advises the Executive and Legislature on some sensitive matters and defends the rights/liberties of the citizens. In Nigeria’s presidential democracy, the Executive arm of government implements laws. The problem of this study is delay in resolution of cases in courts. There are cases in courts that have been pending for many years. Failure of the Executive arm of government to obey court orders in some cases is also a problem. The study recommended that government should establish more courts and employ more judicial officials and the three arms of Nigeria’s government should adhere strictly to the rule of law. Strict adherence to the rule of law by the rulers and the ruled promote democracy.