SS2 Third Term Government Lesson Note – Constitutional Development in Nigeria

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WEEK 4

TOPIC:            CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

CONTENT:

(a) Pre–independence constitution and their features.  

(b) Independence and Post–independence constitutions and their features.

(c) Common features in past and present constitutions in Nigeria.

Sub–Topic 1: PRE–INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION AND THEIR FEATURES

A constitution is a body of laws governing a country. No country in the world can function without a constitution. It is a source of authority and it gives function to the three arms of government. It determines the rights and duties of citizens. Constitution can be written or unwritten; rigid or flexible.

In Nigeria, our constitutional development is in two phases. The first phase was the period when Nigeria was under British rule (Colonial rule or pre–independence period) and the second phase was when Nigeria gained independence from British rule (Post Independence Period).

Nigeria fell under British rule in 1861. Lagos was made a crown colony and was directly administered from London.

Nigeria passed through different phases of constitutional development.

In 1914 Lord Luggard, the governor general amalgamated the northern and southern protectorate. Lord Luggard established the Nigerian Council that laid the foundation for constitutional development in Nigeria.

1. CLIFFORD CONSTITUTION OF 1922

Sir Hugh Clifford was appointed governor of Nigeria after Lord Frederick Luggard in 1922. He made some findings on the northern and southern provinces and recommendation was sent to the British government and was approved.

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