Friction betweenhelmen under constitutional democracy: The harsh consequences of a lacuna in the law

Abstract

The framers of the Constitution which is the instrument of governance in a constitutional democracy appeared to have good intentions in the creation of a support office to that of the president/governor for an inclusive helmsmen arrangement.  A support office that would render the occupant redundant or subject him to unwonted abuses which by extension will mar the functioning of the executive arm may have been excluded in the intention perceived at the time of the creation of the office. The occurrence of the latter may have been overlooked yet, such lacuna has great consequences. This article adopted doctrinal research method in its investigation on the possible causes of friction between executive helmsmen and found that the problem lies in the lacuna created in the constitution. The article concludes that there is a need for the review of constitutional provision on the powers of executive lieutenants. It recommends among others for both dependent and independent duties for the office of deputy governors even as the office is one with that of the governor.