UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF LOBBYING IN GOVERNANCE

 Governance is a very complex phenomenon requiring an in-depth understanding of its processes and demands. In governance or public administration, certain actions are usually taken by those running the affairs of the state in the interest of government, the state and the governed. These decisions and/or actions range from appointments to passage of legislations as well as certain executive and even judicial actions. These are all imperative in the complex process of governance.

In the light of the foregoing, there are always individuals and /or groups who usually attempt to make government to act in certain desirable way and/or to take some decisions in the interest of certain persons/groups. These persons are refered to as LOBBYIST, and the action itself is called LOBBYING. 

All those contacts with persons of interest in any of the three (3) arms of Government with a view to make a desirable impact on any executive, legislative, judicial and Administrative action is refered to as lobbying. It is simply an attempt to influence the decisions of Government. An effort which is billed to affect the action of government.

Scholars are unanimous that Lobby as a word dates back to 1830s and originated in the parliament of Great Britain. As a verb, it was used to refer to the actions of all those who hang around the legislative Chambers, trying to get their representatives to act in certain ways and to take certain decisions in the then British parliament.

Meanwhile, there are three (3) categories of lobbying. They are direct lobbying; grassroots lobbying; and Electoral lobbying. In line with the names, direct lobbying talks of attempt to impact on a Government via direct communication with certain usually high profile members of the government or with those who have a role to play in Government, particularly in its policy formulation. On the other hand, grassroots lobbying is an attempt to influence actions of Government by attempting to impact on the general view and opinion/position of the public towards a given governmental policy and nudging the people to take action with regards to that particular governmental policy. Lastly, Electoral lobbying is simply a situation where certain individuals or groups channel funds into or fully sponsor the campaign of a certain candidate into a desired position for the actualization of a certain interest.

It remains never to be overemphasized that lobbying is an integral part of political governance. However, in contemporary times, it appear to have shifted from basically influencing governmental policy disposition towards justle for political appointments. Thus, politically exposed persons engage in intense push, directly or via representatives to reach out to those who will have a say in the filling of governmental positions, most especially in a newly elected government.

Sequel to the conclusion of general elections in Nigeria and the emergence of winners across board, consultations, visitations and meetings, both nocturnal an non nocturnal are going on at various levels with a view to one way or the other contribute to the actions of the incoming government. The onus however lies on the newly elected leaders to consider their manifestoes and work towards actualizing same using desired persons, lobbying notwithstanding.