Highlight five functions of the president in the 1989 constitution of Nigeria

Answer Details

Five functions of the President under the 1989 Constitution of Nigeria

The 1989 Constitution established an executive presidential system in which the President was both Head of State and Head of Government. His major functions included:

1. Chief executive: He was responsible for the day-to-day administration of the country and the execution of the laws made by the National Assembly.
2. Appointment of principal officers: He appointed ministers, ambassadors, judges of the superior courts and other top public officials, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
3. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces: He controlled the army, navy and air force and was responsible for the defence and internal security of the nation.
4. Conduct of foreign affairs: He represented Nigeria in relations with other states, received foreign envoys, negotiated treaties and signed international agreements.
5. Legislative role (assent and veto): He signed bills passed by the National Assembly into law, could withhold assent (veto), and could issue executive orders and proclaim emergencies.

(Others: exercise of the prerogative of mercy, preparation and presentation of the national budget, and delivering the state-of-the-nation address.)