(a) Outline three merits of the Lyttleton Constitution (b) Highlight three demerits of the Constitution.

Answer Details

The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 introduced a full federal structure to Nigeria. Its merits and demerits are as follows:

(a) Three merits of the Lyttleton Constitution

1. It established a true federal system: It clearly divided powers between the central and regional governments, giving Nigeria a genuine federal structure for the first time.
2. It granted regional autonomy: The regions were given wide powers over their own affairs, and provision was made for regional self-government, which some regions later attained.
3. It made the regional legislatures wholly elective and created the office of Premier: Each region had its own Premier and Executive Council, strengthening responsible government at the regional level.

(b) Three demerits of the Constitution

1. It weakened the centre and encouraged regionalism: By granting the regions so much power, it fostered strong regional loyalties at the expense of national unity.
2. It abolished the office of a central Premier: There was no Prime Minister for the whole federation at first, leaving a weak centre without a clear national political leadership.
3. It deepened ethnic and regional rivalry: The emphasis on regional power intensified competition and suspicion among the major ethnic groups and their political parties.