Nigeria, May 21 -- Despite being a fundamental principle of democracy, the doctrine of separation of powers appears to be under threat in Nigeria, as recent remarks by Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggest a troubling fusion of legislative and executive roles. This article explores how the National Assembly's posture under Akpabio undermines Montesquieu's vision, blurring the lines meant to prevent tyranny and preserve liberty.

When Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brede et de Montesquieu, formulated the doctrine of the Separation of Powers in his seminal 1748 work, The Spirit of the Laws, it was intended as a safeguard against tyranny. By advocating for the division of government into three distinct branches, legislative, exec...