Table of Contents

Features of the Constitution:

Retained Federalism: Modeled after the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954, the Constitution upheld federalism.
Ceremonial Head of State: Designated the Governor-General as the symbolic head of state, representing the Queen of England.
Parliamentary Democracy: Established a parliamentary democratic system of governance in Nigeria.
Bicameral Legislatures: Implemented bicameral legislatures at both federal and regional/state levels.
Judicial Appointments: Judicial appointments, including Supreme Court and high court judges, were to be advised by a Judicial Service Commission comprised of judges.
Premier’s Removal: Granted the governor the authority to remove the premier if they lost the confidence of the house.

Merits of the Independence Constitution:

Turning Point for Self-Determination: Signaled a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for self-determination and liberation from colonialism.
International Diplomacy: Initiated a new diplomatic era with Nigeria joining international organizations like the UN and Commonwealth.
Employment Opportunities: Created employment opportunities in the civil service previously occupied by British nationals.
Accountability Measures: Mandated the federal Minister of Finance to submit the Director of Audit’s report to parliament.
Bicameral Legislature Establishment: Established bicameral federal and regional legislatures.

Retention of British Monarchy: Maintained the British Queen as the ceremonial head of state.
Supreme Court Hierarchy: The Supreme Court was not the final court of appeal; the British Privy Council retained that role.
Appointment of Senate Members: Senators were appointed by regional governments rather than elected.
Lack of Clarity on Regional Creation: Did not adequately address the issue of creating more regions in Nigeria.
Foreign Influence: Considered a disadvantage as it was not entirely domestically crafted.

Establishment of Republican Government: Instituted a republican form of government in Nigeria.
End of British Monarchy: Removed the Queen of England as the head of state.
Ceremonial Presidency: The president held a ceremonial role rather than executive powers.
Emergency Powers: Granted some emergency powers to the federal government.
Legislature Expansion: Increased the number of seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Elected President: Introduced an elected president, replacing the British monarch.
Domestically Crafted: Developed as a fully homemade constitution.
Supreme Court Authority: Made the Supreme Court the final court of appeal.
Citizens’ Rights Protection: Ensured the full guarantee and entrenchment of citizens’ rights.
Inclusive Decision-Making: Involved Nigerians fully in the country’s decision-making process.

Minority-Controlled Election: The president was elected by the National Assembly, which represented the minority of electorates.
Fusion of Government Branches: Legislative and executive arms were fused.
Parliamentary Supremacy: Parliamentary supremacy was favored over constitutional supremacy.
Lack of Direct Accountability: Prime Minister was accountable to parliament, not directly to the people.
Permitted Carpet-Crossing: Allowed elected politicians to switch party allegiance for personal gain.