Theory question 110
Constitutional Development in NigeriaGive any six functions of the president under the 1963 Constitution of Nigeria.
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Any six (the President was a ceremonial head of state in a parliamentary system): head of state and symbol of the nation; formally appointed the Prime Minister (the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives) and, on his advice, other ministers; assented to bills passed by parliament; summoned, prorogued and dissolved parliament (on the Prime Minister's advice); exercised the prerogative of mercy (advised by a council); appointed the Chief Justice and other judges, ambassadors and top officers on advice; nominal commander-in-chief of the armed forces; received foreign envoys and performed ceremonial duties; appointed some senators.
Stress that under the 1963 Republican Constitution the President (Azikiwe) had mostly ceremonial powers.