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Introduction

The Independence Constitution was a landmark constitutional document that came into force on October 1, 1960, following Nigeria’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule. The Constitution provided the framework for the governance of Nigeria as an independent and sovereign nation. It was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history, as it marked the country’s transition from a British colony to an independent state with its own government and institutions. The Independence Constitution was a product of extensive consultations and negotiations between Nigerian political leaders and the British colonial government. It sought to address the challenges facing the country, such as the need to establish a strong federal system that would promote national unity and integration, and to provide for the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms. In this essay, we will examine the features and significance of the Independence Constitution, as well as its impact on Nigeria’s political, social and economic development.

Features Of the Independence Constitution

After Nigeria got its independence in 1960, these are the constitutions that were made in 1960

The report of the Commission that looked into the previous constitution led to the creation of this one.

The constitution of 1960 has the following parts:

1. Federal System of Government: The Independence Constitution established a federal system of government in Nigeria, with powers shared between the central government and the regional governments. The central government was responsible for national defence, foreign affairs, and other matters of national importance, while the regional governments were responsible for local affairs such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.
2. Executive Branch: The Constitution established a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The President was a ceremonial figurehead, while the Prime Minister held executive power and was responsible for the day-to-day running of the government.
3. Legislative Branch: The Constitution established a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Members of the Senate were appointed by the regional governments, while members of the House of Representatives were elected by the people.
4. Judiciary: The Constitution established an independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court as the highest court of appeal. The judiciary was responsible for interpreting the Constitution and resolving disputes between the federal government and the regional governments.
5. Bill of Rights: The Constitution contained a Bill of Rights that guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms such as freedom of speech, association, and religion. It also prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, religion, or ethnicity.
6. Citizenship: The Constitution established citizenship by birth or by registration, and it provided for dual citizenship for Nigerians who were also citizens of other countries.
7. Amendment: The Constitution could be amended by a two-thirds majority of both houses of the legislature and the assent of the President.

Advantages or Achievement of the 1960 independence Constitution

1. Establishment of a Federal System: The 1960 Constitution established a federal system of government in Nigeria, which allowed for power sharing between the central government and the regional governments. This system helped to promote unity, diversity, and national integration.
2. Protection of Fundamental Human Rights: The constitution contained a bill of rights which guaranteed certain fundamental human rights to Nigerian citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and association. This helped to promote democracy, freedom, and justice in the country.
3. Establishment of a Democratic System: The constitution established a democratic system of government, with a bicameral legislature, an independent judiciary, and an executive branch led by a prime minister. This helped to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.
4. Recognition of Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: The constitution recognized the cultural and linguistic diversity of Nigeria by allowing for the creation of autonomous regions based on language and ethnicity. This helped to promote cultural pluralism and diversity in the country.
5. Establishment of an Independent Judiciary: The constitution established an independent judiciary which was separate from the executive and legislative branches of government. This helped to promote the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights.
6. Promotion of Economic Development: The constitution provided for the creation of a strong central government which could promote economic development through the establishment of national policies and programs.
7. Promotion of National Unity: The constitution promoted national unity by ensuring that all regions of the country had fair and equal representation in the federal government. This helped to promote a sense of national identity and belonging among Nigerians.

Disadvantages or Weakness of the 1960 Independence Constitution

1. Federal Structure: The constitution created a federal structure for Nigeria, which meant that power was shared between the central government and regional governments. However, the regional governments had more power than the central government, leading to a weak federal government and regionalism.
2. Weak Central Government: The constitution created a weak central government with limited powers. The central government lacked the power to control the regions, leading to conflicts between the central government and regional governments.
3. Unbalanced Representation: The constitution gave an unfair representation of the different regions of the country in the parliament. The northern region had more representation in the parliament than the southern regions, leading to an imbalance of power.
4. Ethnic Tensions: The constitution did not address the issue of ethnic tensions, which had been a major problem in the country since the colonial period. This led to several conflicts and crises in the country, especially during elections.
5. No Bill of Rights: The constitution did not have a bill of rights, which would have protected the fundamental rights of the citizens. This made it easy for the government to violate the rights of the citizens without consequences.
6. Limited Citizenship: The constitution limited citizenship to only those who were born in Nigeria or had a Nigerian parent. This excluded people from other African countries who had lived in Nigeria for many years and contributed to the development of the country.
7. Unequal Distribution of Resources: The constitution did not address the issue of unequal distribution of resources, which had been a major issue in the country. This led to regional disparities in development and increased tensions between the regions.