INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION OF 1960

MAIN FEATURES AND PROVISIONS OF THE INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION OF 1960

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

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

Why the 1960 constitution was named Independence Constitution?
Who were the head of state and head of government under the 1960 Independence Constitution?

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

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

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

The first Nigeria prime minister was (a) Abubarka Tafawa Balewa (b) Shehu Shagari (c) Aguiyi Ironsi (d) Obafemi Awolowo
The 1960 constitution adopted —– in Nigeria (a) Presidential system (b) parliamentary system (c) unitary system (d) confederal
The following were the provisions of the 1960 constitution except (a) It adopted a parliamentary system (b) The senate was given power over money (c) it introduced unicameral legislature (d) Governor general became the ceremonial president.
Nigeria got her independence on (a) 2^nd October 1960 (b) 1^st October 1960 (c) 1^st November 1960 (d) 3^rd of February 1961
The head of state under the 1960 constitution was (a) Nnamdi Azikiwe (b) Tafawa Balewa (c) Yakubu Gowon (d) Obafemi Awolowo

THEORY