EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS AND THE CHALLENGES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: A CASE OF RIVER STATE (2023-2024)

This study criticallyexamined the executive–legislative gridlock in Rivers State, Nigeria, during the period 2023–2024, with a focus on its implications for good governance. Following the 2023 general elections, Rivers State became embroiled in a prolonged political conflict between the executive arm led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and a faction of the State House of Assembly loyal to his predecessor and political godfather, Nyesom Wike. This standoff resulted in constitutional ambiguities, legal battles, and institutional dysfunctions that severelyhampered the effective functioning of government. Using qualitative analysis of media reports, public documents, judicial pronouncements, and expert interviews, the study explored the root causes of the gridlock, including party supremacy battles, political godfatherism, and institutional weaknesses. It assessed the impact of the conflict on key elements of good governance such as transparency, accountability, service delivery, and the rule of law. The findings revealed that the gridlock undermined public trust, stalled legislative oversight, delayed budgetary processes, and eroded the democratic process in the state. The study concluded by recommending legal reforms, enhanced political party discipline, and the institutionalization of conflict-resolution mechanisms to safeguard democratic governance in Nigeria’s subnational governments. ________________________________________