Theory question 108
Constitutional Development in NigeriaSection B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
Describe the main features of the 1946 Richards Constitution of Nigeria.
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Divided Nigeria into three regions (North, East, West).
Regional Houses of Assembly in each region, with a House of Chiefs in the North (bicameral).
Legislative Council for the whole country, including the North for the first time.
Unofficial majority in the Legislative Council (28 unofficial to 16 official members).
Most unofficial members were nominated or indirectly chosen; only four elected (Lagos and Calabar).
Regional houses were advisory, without real law-making power.
Executive Council remained largely official; Governor kept veto and reserved powers.
Introduced regionalism, which later grew into federalism.
Describe each feature.