State any two merits and four demerits of the Clifford Constitution Of 1922 in Nigeria.

Answer Details

Merits of the Clifford Constitution of 1922

1. Introduction of the elective principle: For the first time in Nigeria (and British West Africa) it allowed the election of a few African members into the Legislative Council, giving Nigerians a say in law-making.
2. Growth of political parties and nationalism: The elective principle led to the formation of political parties such as the NNDP and stimulated political consciousness and newspaper activity.

Demerits of the Clifford Constitution of 1922

1. Very limited franchise: Only adult males in Lagos and Calabar with a high income qualification could vote, so the electorate was tiny and unrepresentative.
2. Elected members were a minority: Only four members were elected out of a large council dominated by official members, so Africans had no real power.
3. The North was excluded: The constitution applied mainly to the South; Northern Nigeria was left out of the legislative arrangement, deepening regional imbalance.
4. Official majority remained: The Governor and his officials retained control, and the Legislative Council had no authority over the North or real financial power.
5. No African in the Executive Council: Real executive power stayed entirely in British hands with no African representation.