Assessing the Perceptions of Nigerians on the Level of Independence Enjoyed by Key Institutions from the Executive Arm of Government and the Implications

Abstract

This paper sought to examine the perception of Nigerians in three cities of Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja of the level of independence that selected key institutions enjoy with regards to their relationships with the executive arm of government. The paper solicited opinions of these respondents on how these institutions can be made more effective.  Research questionnaires were administered to a total of 300 persons in the 3 cities. All the responses to items on the questionnaire were analysed using appropriate statistical tools. The results have shown that most governmental institutions in Nigeria are perceived by the population not to be independent from the executive arm. The findings from the study however rated the Nigerian social media, the independent/private press and non-government organizations as having more independence from the executive arm of government in Nigeria than other governmental, social and political institutions.