(a) State three significance of nationalism to the political development of Nigeria. (b) Highlight three nationalistic roles of Kwame Nkrumah.

Answer Details

(a) Significance of nationalism to the political development of Nigeria

1. It brought about political awareness: Nationalism awakened Nigerians to the injustice of colonial rule and made them conscious of their rights and their desire for self-government.
2. It led to the formation of political parties: The nationalist struggle produced parties such as the NCNC, the Action Group and the NPC, which mobilised the people and gave political life and organisation to the country.
3. It hastened the attainment of independence: The pressure, agitation and demands of the nationalists forced the British to grant Nigeria her independence in 1960.
4. It promoted constitutional development: Nationalist agitation led to a series of constitutions (Clifford, Richards, Macpherson, Lyttleton) that gradually widened Nigerian participation in government.
5. It fostered unity and national consciousness: It united people of different ethnic groups to fight a common cause, thereby laying a foundation for national identity and integration.
6. It produced experienced Nigerian leaders: The struggle threw up leaders who later took over the administration of the country.

(b) Nationalistic roles of Kwame Nkrumah

1. He led Ghana (the Gold Coast) to independence: As leader of the Convention People's Party (CPP), he spearheaded the struggle that made Ghana the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957.
2. He founded and led a mass political party: He formed the Convention People's Party and used it to mobilise the ordinary people through his slogan of "self-government now."
3. He championed Pan-Africanism and African unity: He was a leading advocate of the total liberation and unity of Africa and helped found the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.
4. He used positive action and civil disobedience: He organised strikes, boycotts and peaceful protests to press the colonial authorities for self-rule.
5. He inspired other African nationalists: His success and writings encouraged nationalist movements in other African countries, including Nigeria, to intensify their own struggles for independence.