Independence Constitution of 1960

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Welcome to class! 

In today’s class, we will be talking about the independence constitution of 1960. Enjoy the class!

Independence Constitution of 1960

MAIN FEATURES AND PROVISIONS OF INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION OF 1960

1. The constitution retained the federal structure initially adopted by the Lyttleton’s Constitution of 1954.
2. Governors-General became Ceremonial Head of State for the Queen of England.
3. It adopted the parliamentary system of government in Nigeria.
4. There was a bicameral legislature for the federal and regional House of Assemblies.
5. Executive power was granted to the prime minister and premiers.
6. The senate was given power over money and other bills.
7. Dual government powers existed at the federal and regional government.
8. The constitution embodied Fundamental Human Rights of citizens.
9. It adopted a right approach to constitutional amendments.
10. Federal legislatures had power to make laws during period of emergency.
11. Provisions for Nigerian citizenship were copiously detailed in the constitution.
12. The process for appointing Supreme Court and high court judges through the advice of the judicial service commission.

ADVANTAGES OR ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION

1. The attainment of nationalistic struggle was crowned with the independence constitution.
2. It was the greatest definition of the demise of colonialism which began in the late 19^th century in Nigeria.
3. Nigeria became a sovereign state and was free to aspire to have international recognition by joining UNO, Commonwealth.
4. Nigeria joined other nations to seek trade relations and boost Nigeria’s foreign trade and improved living standard.
5. Attainment of independence meant increase in employment in the civil service and other sector of the economy.
6. The creation of the public service commission by Nigerians.
7. Establishment of bicameral in our legislative system at the federal and regional government levels.
8. Introduction of accountability in the utilization of Nigeria revenue through the ministry of finance by the activity of the department.

DISADVANTAGES AND WEAKNESSES OF INDEPENDENCE OF 1960

1. It still retained the Queen of England as the titular or ceremonial head of state represented by the Governor-General.
2. The privy council in Britain was the highest court of appeal for Nigeria.
3. Members of the Senate were not directly elected but appointed by regional government.
4. It failed to clearly state the process and position for creation of states, the creation of mid-west was attended by many political tensions.
5. It was a foreign designed constitution supervised by the retreating British colonialist.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Highlight the features of the 1960 Independence constitution.
2. State 5 contributions of the independence constitution of 1960.
3. Mention the names of Nigeria leaders before 1960s.
4. Discuss the features of the Igbo pre-colonial political system.

 

In our next class, we will be talking about the Republican Constitution of 1963.  We hope you enjoyed the class.

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