Theory question 107
Colonial Administration(a) Outline four reasons for the adoption of the Indirect Rule system.
(b) Enumerate two achievements of the Indirect Rule system.
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(a) Any four: shortage of British personnel; shortage of funds (it was cheap); vast size of the territory and poor communication; existence of well-organised traditional systems (e.g. emirates in the North); language barrier; to reduce resistance by ruling through rulers the people respected; harsh climate and disease (malaria) for Europeans; Lugard's success with it in Northern Nigeria.
(b) Any two: preserved traditional institutions and culture; maintained law and order cheaply; trained traditional rulers in modern local administration (native authorities, treasuries and courts); laid the foundation of local government.
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