Back to: History SSS 2
My brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re having a great day! Imagine a school where prefects used to be chosen by teachers, but then the students demand to elect their own prefects. The school changes the system, allowing students to vote for their leaders. This is similar to what happened in Nigeria in 1979, when the country moved from military rule to democracy, adopting a new constitution and a presidential system of government.
Today, we’ll discuss Nigeria’s Second Republic (1979–1983), the 1979 Republican Constitution, the Presidential System, and the socio-economic programmes of the government.
The Second Republic; 1979 republican constitution, presidential system, socio economic programme
The 1979 Republican Constitution
After 13 years of military rule (1966–1979), Nigeria transitioned back to democracy with the introduction of the 1979 Republican Constitution. This constitution was different from the 1963 parliamentary system because it introduced a presidential system of government, similar to that of the United States.
Key features of the 1979 Constitution:
Presidential System – Power was now centralised under an executive president, who was both Head of State and Head of Government.
Separation of Powers – Government was divided into three arms:
Executive (President and ministers) – in charge of governance.
Legislature (National Assembly) – made the laws.
Judiciary (Courts) – interpreted the laws.
Federalism – Nigeria remained a federal state, with powers shared between the central and state governments.
Multi-Party System – Unlike the First Republic, this system allowed more political parties to contest elections.
Fundamental Human Rights – Citizens were guaranteed rights such as freedom of speech, movement, and association.
The Presidential System of Government
Under the 1979 Constitution, Nigeria practised a presidential system, which had the following key elements:
An Executive President
The President was elected by the people for a four-year term.
Alhaji Shehu Shagari became Nigeria’s first Executive President in 1979 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
Vice President and Ministers
The President had a Vice President and a team of ministers to run the government.
The Vice President was Dr. Alex Ekwueme.
National Assembly (Legislature)
The legislature was bicameral (two houses):
Senate (Upper House)
House of Representatives (Lower House)
They were responsible for making laws and approving government policies.
Judiciary (Courts)
The judiciary was independent and ensured that laws were followed.
The Supreme Court was the highest court in the country.
Socio-Economic Programmes of the Second Republic
During the Second Republic (1979–1983), President Shehu Shagari’s government introduced several programmes to develop Nigeria’s economy and improve citizens’ welfare.
Green Revolution Programme
This programme aimed to boost agriculture and reduce reliance on food imports.
Farmers were given loans, fertilizers, and modern farming tools.
Industrialisation
The government encouraged the growth of local industries to reduce dependence on foreign goods.
Housing Scheme
Efforts were made to provide affordable housing for Nigerians.
Education Expansion
More schools, colleges, and universities were established.
Transport Development
The government improved roads, railways, and air transport.
Challenges of the Second Republic
Despite these efforts, the government faced several challenges:
Corruption
Government officials embezzled public funds, which weakened the economy.
Economic Decline
Oil prices fell in the early 1980s, causing economic problems and high unemployment.
Election Rigging and Political Violence
The 1983 elections were massively rigged, leading to protests and violence.
Collapse of the Second Republic
Due to these problems, the military overthrew the government in a coup on December 31, 1983.
Major General Muhammadu Buhari took over as Head of State.
Summary
The Second Republic (1979–1983) was Nigeria’s attempt to return to democracy with the 1979 Constitution, which introduced a presidential system of government. Shehu Shagari became the first Executive President, and his government focused on agriculture, industry, housing, education, and transport development. However, problems like corruption, economic decline, election rigging, and political instability led to its collapse in 1983, when the military took over again.
Evaluation
- What was the main difference between the 1979 Constitution and the 1963 Constitution?
- Name the first Executive President of Nigeria.
- List three socio-economic programmes introduced during the Second Republic.
- What were the main reasons for the fall of the Second Republic?
You are a history genius! Keep believing in yourself because Nigeria’s history is part of your greatness. See you in the next lesson—keep shining, Afrilearn superstar!
School Owner? Grow your school with Africa's most trusted school management + content platformGet more class notes, videos, homework help, exam practice on Android [DOWNLOAD]
Get more class notes, videos, homework help, exam practice on iPhone [DOWNLOAD]