Theory question 108
Constitutional Development in Nigeria(a) Outline three features of the Macpherson Constitution.
(b) State two reasons for the breakdown of the Lyttleton Constitution.
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(a) Any three: three regions (quasi-federal); central House of Representatives of 148 members; Council of Ministers with 12 Nigerian ministers chaired by the Governor; regional Houses of Assembly and regional executives; bicameral legislatures in North and West; electoral college system; North given half the central seats.
(b) Any two (the Lyttelton Constitution of 1954 was replaced by the independence constitution of 1960): demands for self-government and independence (regions became self-governing in 1957 and 1959); need for a bicameral federal legislature (Senate) and a Prime Minister; minority fears leading to the Willink Commission (1957–58); conferences of 1957–58 recommended full independence arrangements.
The book spells it 'Lyttleton'; it is the 1954 Lyttelton Constitution, superseded at independence.