Outline the defects of the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 in Nigeria.

Answer Details

Defects of the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 in Nigeria

The Lyttleton Constitution introduced a federal system for Nigeria, but it suffered from several weaknesses:

1. It entrenched regionalism. By strengthening the three Regions it deepened regional and ethnic loyalties at the expense of national unity.
2. The Lagos dispute. The separation of Lagos from the Western Region as federal territory caused resentment, especially among the Yoruba.
3. Weak centre, strong regions. The wide powers granted to the Regions weakened the central government and encouraged tendencies toward disintegration.
4. No national Prime Minister at the centre. There was no central Prime Minister to give national political leadership, unlike the Regions which had Premiers.
5. Non-uniform self-government. Allowing Regions to become self-governing at different times (East and West in 1957, North in 1959) created inequality and rivalry among them.
6. Minority fears not addressed. The constitution failed to protect minority groups within the large Regions, breeding agitation for separate states.
7. Divisive revenue allocation. Emphasis on the principle of derivation favoured richer Regions and bred inter-regional bitterness.
8. Non-uniform electoral arrangements. Voting and representation arrangements were not uniform across the country.