Theory question 108
Constitutional Development in NigeriaSection B: Political and Constitutional Development in West Africa and International Relations
What were the main features of the independence constitutions of the British West African countries?
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Parliamentary (Westminster) system of government.
The British monarch remained head of state, represented by a Governor-General.
A Prime Minister as head of government with a cabinet responsible to parliament.
Written constitutions with entrenched fundamental human rights.
Bicameral or unicameral legislatures (e.g. Nigeria had a Senate and House of Representatives).
Independent judiciary; final appeal to the Privy Council in London.
Federal structure in Nigeria (regions); unitary elsewhere (Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia).
Public and Judicial Service Commissions to protect the civil service and judiciary from politics.
Membership of the Commonwealth.
Multi-party system with an official opposition.
Use examples from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia.