Describe the main features of the 1946 Richards Constitution of Nigeria.

Answer Details

The Richards Constitution, introduced in 1946 by Governor Sir Arthur Richards, replaced the Clifford Constitution of 1922. Its main features are as follows.

1. Introduction of the regional system: For the first time Nigeria was divided into three regions, the Northern, Western and Eastern Regions, laying the foundation for later federalism and regionalism.
2. Establishment of Regional Houses of Assembly: A House of Assembly was created for each region, and the North had in addition a House of Chiefs, giving the regions their own deliberative bodies.
3. An enlarged Central Legislative Council: A single Legislative Council for the whole country was retained, and for the first time its authority extended to the North, which had previously been governed separately by proclamation.
4. Unofficial majority in the Legislative Council: The Central Legislative Council had an unofficial (African) majority, though the members were largely nominated rather than elected.
5. Predominance of nomination over election: Most members of the councils were nominated by the Governor; the elective principle was retained only for a few seats in Lagos and Calabar, inherited from the Clifford Constitution.
6. Advisory role of the regional councils: The Regional Houses were largely deliberative and advisory bodies; they could discuss and make recommendations but real power remained with the Central Government and the Governor.
7. Retention of strong governor's powers: The Governor retained wide powers, including reserve and veto powers over legislation, so that ultimate authority stayed with the colonial administration.
8. Aim of promoting unity in diversity: The constitution was intended to promote the unity of Nigeria while providing for the diverse elements of the country and giving greater participation to Nigerians in their own affairs.
9. Long tenure without consultation: It was designed to last nine years and was imposed without adequate consultation with Nigerians, a feature that drew strong criticism from nationalists such as Herbert Macaulay and Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Although criticised for its non-consultative introduction and limited elective element, the Richards Constitution is important as the one that introduced regionalism into Nigerian constitutional development.