Theory question 107
Constitutional Development in NigeriaSection B (answer any two questions from this section)
Why did the Macpherson constitution of 1951 break down?
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Regional ministers were not answerable to the central ministers; no Prime Minister or leader of government business.
Ministers were not heads of departments; real power remained with officials.
Central ministers were chosen by regional houses and were loyal to their regions and parties, not to the centre.
Strong regional parties (NPC, AG, NCNC) clashed at the centre.
The 1953 self-government motion crisis (Enahoro's motion): AG ministers resigned; Northern members were humiliated in Lagos.
The Kano riot of 1953.
Northern 'Eight-Point Programme' demanding near-separation.
NCNC crisis in the Eastern House of Assembly (1953), which paralysed the Eastern government.
Regional legislatures could block central legislation.
Led to the London conference of 1953 and the Lyttleton Constitution (1954).
Concentrate on causes of collapse.