Theory question 110
Constitutional Development in NigeriaSection B
(a) Why was the Willinks Commission of Enquiry set up?
(b) Give an account of its major recommendations.
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(a) Set up in 1957 (at the constitutional conference) under Sir Henry Willink to enquire into the fears of minority groups that they would be dominated by the majority groups in each region, and to suggest ways of allaying those fears
(b) No new states should be created before independence
Fundamental human rights should be entrenched in the constitution
The police should be a federal (central) force
Special development areas/boards for minority areas (e.g. Niger Delta Development Board)
Minority councils/areas in some regions (e.g. Calabar, Mid-West)
Laid the foundation for later state creation
Part (a) needs the reason (minority fears); part (b) the main recommendations.