Public Corporations are referred to as statutory bodies because they are established by _________

Analyze the question: The question asks why public corporations are called "statutory" bodies, meaning what establishes them.

Explain the concept: The word statutory comes from statute, which means a law passed by the legislature. In Nigeria, the legislature is the National Assembly. A law it passes is called an Act. In the parliamentary tradition used in WASSCE Government, this is described as an "Act of Parliament." A public corporation, such as the NNPC, NEPA (now under the Electricity Act), or the Nigerian Ports Authority, is created by a specific law. That law sets out its powers, functions, structure, and finances.

Step-by-step solution:

1. "Statutory" is derived from "statute," meaning a law enacted by the legislature.
2. A statute passed by the legislature is an Act (or an Act of Parliament).
3. Checking the options: • A. A legislative instrument: This sounds close, but it usually refers to subsidiary or delegated legislation, such as regulations made under an Act. It is not the main statute that creates the corporation. • B. Acts of parliament: This is the direct source of a statute, so it is correct. • C. An executive instrument: This is an order or decree from the executive, which is not what "statutory" means. • D. Bye-laws: These are made by local governments for local matters, so they do not create public corporations.

Answer: Public corporations are called statutory bodies because they are established by Acts of Parliament.

Tip: Link the words directly: Statutory = Statute = Act of Parliament. If you see "statutory" in a Government question, think of a law passed by the legislature. Also remember that bye-laws belong to local governments.