INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

 Individual responsibility is a term which means that a minister or his ministry is singularly held accountable or responsible for all decisions and actions taken in his ministry. The minister therefore, has both legal and political responsibilities for the ministry he is heading. He answer all parliamentary questions concerning his ministry. He is responsible or accountable to both the president and the parliament for both the actions of his ministry and his private or personal conduct as it relate to his office or duties. The term individual responsibility requires a minister to resign if the administrative blunders of his ministry are exposed and criticised on the floor of the parliament.

Importance of Parliamentary Approval of Appointments under Presidential System of Government

The president in a presidential system of government has the responsibility of appointing ministers, judges of supreme and High Courts, special advisers, chairmen and members of Boards and corporations, permanent secretaries, Heads of Departments, Ambassadors, members of Electoral Commission, population commission, Federal Civil Service Commission, Police Service Commission etc. all subject to parliamentary approval, which has the following importance

a.      Parliamentary approval of appointment is to ensure that the president makes his appointments in conformity with the constitution.

b.     It makes sure appointments reflect the federal character.

c.      Parliamentary approval of appointment helps to check the excessive use of power by the president.

d.     It also ensures that the president’s appointees are qualified.

e.      It help to maintain the doctrine of checks and balances.

f.       It makes the present to be cautions and meticulous in his appointment there by avoiding thoughtless and hasty appointments

g.     It ensures that public officials are brought under popular control.

h.     It ensures that the president does not appoint more than the required officials, thereby ensuring prudent use of resources.

i.       It prevent the president from being a dictator.