(a) Outline three features of the Macpherson Constitution. (b) State two reasons for the breakdown of the Lyttleton Constitution.

Answer Details

(a) Three features of the Macpherson Constitution (1951)

1. Federal (regional) structure with wider powers for the regions: It retained and strengthened the three regions (Northern, Western and Eastern), each with its own House of Assembly (and a House of Chiefs in the North and West) empowered to legislate on regional matters.
2. A central legislature with an elected Nigerian majority: It created a Central House of Representatives with a much larger membership, most of whom were Nigerians chosen through the regional houses, giving Nigerians a stronger voice at the centre.
3. Introduction of the ministerial system: Nigerians were appointed as ministers at both the central and regional levels, giving indigenous leaders a share in the executive administration for the first time.
4. It was a product of wide consultation: Unlike the Richards Constitution, it was drawn up after extensive consultation with Nigerians, including the Ibadan General Conference of 1950.

(Any three of the above are acceptable.)

(b) Two reasons for the breakdown of the Lyttleton Constitution (1954)

1. Attainment of independence and self-government: The constitution was overtaken by events. As the regions attained internal self-government and the country moved to full independence in 1960, a new independence constitution was required to replace it.
2. Constitutional crises and demands for further reform: Persistent disagreements among the regions and political parties, and demands for the creation of more regions, revenue allocation and greater autonomy, led to a series of constitutional conferences (1957 and 1958) which produced revisions that superseded the Lyttleton arrangement.
3. Regional agitation for self-government at different times: The Eastern and Western Regions became self-governing in 1957 and the North in 1959, so the original arrangement had to be altered to accommodate these changes.

(Any two of the above are acceptable.)