CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS IN NIGERIA : BRIEF ANALYSIS

THE NIGERIAN COUNCIL

    Following the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914, Lord Lugard who became the governor-general established the Nigerian Council as a legislative and advisory body. The council was made up of 36 members. The function of the council was to advise the governor on important public issues. The council has no power to implement or force its resolutions without the approval of the governor general.

THE CLIFFORD CONSTITUTION OF 1922 < /p>

      The Clifford constitution of 1922 abolished the Nigerian Council and established a new legislative council in Nigeria. The constitution introduced “elective principle” in Nigeria in 1922. The introduction of elective principle offered Nigerians opportunity to participate in electing their representatives at the council. As a result of the introduction, four (4) Nigerians were elected into the new legislative council. Out of four (4) elected, three (3) represented Lagos and one represented Calabar. The council as a whole was composed of 46 members.
     Moreover, as a result of the introduction of elective principle, the first political party was formed in Nigeria. The party was Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), which was formed in 1923 by Sir Herbert Macaulay.

Highlights of Clifford Constitution of 1922

1.The constitution established new legislative council for Nigeria
2.The constitution introduced elective principle
3.The constitution adopted adult male suffrage. Only male citizens that were earning up to E100 per annum were allowed to vote.
4.The constitution vested both veto and reserve power to the governor
5.The constitution created a new executive council.

THE RICHARD CONSTITUTION OF 1946

    Sir Authur Richard constitution of 1946 was introduced as a result of some weaknesses of Clifford constitution of 1922 which failed to address some of the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.
    The constitution was first proposed by Sir Bernard Bourdillon in 1939 when he divided Nigeria into three (3) regions, namely East, West and North. As a result of health challenges or aliment, Bernard could not finalize the proposed constitution. Nevertheless, it was his successor Sir Richard that implemented the proposed constitution in 1946.
The Highlights of the Richard Constitution of 1946
1.The division of Nigeria into three regions namely East, West and North.
2.The constitution created regional assembly in the three regions namely East, West and Northern regions.
3.The constitution created bicameralism in the North (House of Chiefs and House of Assembly)
4.It allowed only male adults who earned income up to E50 per annum and have lived in Nigeria approximately 12 months to vote.
5.The constitution established central legislative council for the whole country.

           THE MACPHERSON CONSTITUTION OF 1951

     Sir John Macpherson became governor of Nigeria in 1948 when Sir Arthur Richard retired from active service. He took the immediate step to review the 1946 Richard constitution. He consulted many Nigerians from the rank and file on the structure and nature of the proposed constitution before it was drafted in 1951
Highlights of Macpherson Constitution of 1951
1.The constitution introduced Central Executive Council (Council of Ministers)
2.The Regional House of Assembly was created with power to make laws for the region.
3.It introduced central legislative council.
4.The regional executive council was also introduced.

THE LONDON CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE OF 1953

     The London constitutional conference of 1953 was held to discuss the defects of the Macpherson constitution and issue of attainment of self-government in 1956. The conference was chaired by the secretary of state for the colonies, Oliver Lyttleton.

Highlights of the Conference   

1.The conference provided that the governor of Nigeria should be known as the Governor-General while the regional lieutenant-governor of Nigeria should be known as the Governor.
2.That Lagos should be autonomous from western region and made a federal capital.
3.That legislative power should be shared between central and regional governments.
4.That the British government would grant self-government to any region that needs it in 1956.

THE LYTTLETON CONSTITUTION OF 1954

   The main features of 1953 London constitutional conference, were featured in the Lyttleton constitution of 1954. When Oliver Lyttleton became governor of Nigeria he implemented the 1953 London constitutional conference to become law in 1954. One of the important features of Lyttleton constitution was that, it established “true federalism” in Nigeria for the first time.

Ways through which the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 Established True Federalism in Nigeria

1.The constitution formally recognized the division of Nigeria into three regions which was demarked in 1939 as the federating units of Nigeria.
2.The constitution divided powers of government into Exclusive, Concurrent and Residual lists as it is obtainable in federal systems.
3.The Regional Assemblies were formally given full legislative powers to make laws in their respective regions.
4.The constitution regionalized public service and judiciary.
5.The office of premiers in the regions was established.
6.The constitution allowed equal representations in the Council of Ministers from each region.
7.Policy of revenue allocation formula to the regions from the federation account was established.
8.The constitution introduced different electoral laws for each region.

THE LONDON CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE OF 1957

The following were the highlights of the conference:
1.The conference agreed to grant Eastern and Western region self-government in 1957 while that of North will be in 1959.
2.The office of prime minister was created.
3.Bicameralism was established in the Eastern region and in the centre.
4.The conference approved that the committee of enquiry should be established to midwife the question of minority status.

THE 1958 CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE

      The conference was held to finalize the issues on the attainment of political independence of Nigeria in 1960 and to determine the status of Southern Cameroons whether to join Nigeria or Republic of Cameroon. As a result, the conference unanimously reached consensus that Nigeria should attain independence in 1960 and referendum should be conducted to determine the wishes and aspirations of Cameroons whether to join Nigeria or have their own country.