Nigeria's structure and composition are a legacy of
British colonial rule. It has over 374
multilingual groups with different cultures and traditions. This diversity contributes to Nigeria being "one of the world's most deeply divided countries" with rampant political corruption. As a result, Nigeria has undergone many attempts to form an effective constitution. These efforts include
civilian and
military rule, centrifugal and centralised
federalism, presidential and
parliamentary systems, and other political institutions.
Richards constitution Westminster approved a new constitution for Nigeria in 1946. It was called the Richards Constitution after Governor-General
Sir Arthur Richards, who was responsible for its formulation. Although it left effective power in the hands of the
Governor-General and his appointed
Executive Council, it also established an expanded Legislative Council empowered to deliberate on matters affecting the country. It also created three regional
Houses of Assembly to consider local questions and advise the lieutenant governors. The Richards Constitution recognised the country's diversity by introducing the federal principle with its regional authority. Although realistic in its assessment of the situation in Nigeria, the Richards Constitution intensified regionalism instead of encouraging
political unification. It was suspended in 1950 against a call for greater autonomy.
MacPherson constitution An inter-parliamentary conference at
Ibadan in 1950 drafted a new constitution. It was dubbed the Macpherson Constitution after the incumbent Governor-General
John Stuart Macpherson. It went into effect the following year. The MacPherson Constitution provided for regional autonomy and federal union, creating a central government with a Council of Ministers. This encouraged political participation and party activity at the national level. However, the regional governments had broad legislative powers that could not be overridden by the newly established 185-seat federal House of Representatives. As a result, the Macpherson Constitution significantly boosted regionalism.
Lyttleton constitution The next revision of the constitution was called the Lyttleton Constitution, named after
Oliver Lyttleton. This was drawn up after two constitutional conferences:
Nigerian Constitutional Conference, 1953 This was attended by six delegates each from the three regions of Nigeria, plus one from the
Cameroons In 1954 the
Federation of Nigeria was established on the principle of
federalism. This paved the way for Nigeria's independence from Great Britain. Lyttleton constitution promoted regional sentiments among Nigerians as had previously been done by the Richard constitution.
1960 independence constitution A British Order-in-Council enacted Nigeria's first constitution as a sovereign state. It came into force upon the country's independence on 1 October 1960. Under this constitution, Nigeria retained
Queen Elizabeth II as titular head of state,
Queen of Nigeria.
Nnamdi Azikiwe represented the queen as Governor-General.
1963 constitution Independent Nigeria's second constitution abolished the monarchy and established the
First Nigerian Republic. It came into force on 1 October 1963, the third anniversary of Nigeria's independence.
Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first
President of Nigeria. The 1963 constitution was based on the
Westminster system. It was used until a
military coup in 1966 that overthrew Nigeria's democratic institutions.
1979 constitution The 1979 constitution established the
Second Nigerian Republic. It abandoned the Westminster system in favour of a
United States-style
presidential system with direct elections. To avoid the pitfalls of the First Nigerian Republic, the 1979 constitution mandated political parties which were required to register in at least two-thirds of the states.
1999 constitution The 1999 constitution created the
Fourth Nigerian Republic, a
federation with democratic rule. It defines the national capital, 36 states and their capitals, and 774
local government areas within Nigeria. It establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government and details their duties and the separation of powers between the branches and federal and state governments. The constitution gives the National Assembly the power to make laws for "
peace, order and good government of the Federation". The constitution outlines the individual's fundamental rights, including life, liberty, dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and security from slavery, violence, discrimination, and forced service in the military. It also defines a person's right to a timely and fair trial if arrested and the
presumption of innocence. Nigerians also have the right to own "immovable property anywhere in Nigeria", a
right of assembly, and
freedom of movement. ==See also==