What were the major changes introduced in Nigeria by the Clifford Constitution of 1992 ?

Answer Details

Major changes introduced by the Clifford Constitution of 1922

(The Clifford Constitution was introduced in 1922 by Governor Sir Hugh Clifford.) Its major changes were:

1. Introduction of the elective principle: For the first time in Nigeria (and British West Africa), it allowed Africans to elect some of their representatives into the Legislative Council through the ballot box.
2. Establishment of an enlarged Legislative Council: It created a Legislative Council of 46 members (27 official and 19 unofficial) whose law-making authority covered the Colony of Lagos and the Southern Provinces.
3. Limited African representation: Four elected seats were provided, three for Lagos and one for Calabar, though on a restrictive franchise based on a high property/income qualification.
4. Encouragement of the growth of political parties: The introduction of elections stimulated political activity and led to the formation of political parties, notably Herbert Macaulay's Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923.
5. Growth of the nationalist press and politics: It widened political consciousness and encouraged the emergence of newspapers and political associations.

Note: the North was still administered separately by proclamation and was not included in the elective arrangement.