Malcolm Rivera
Nigeria's current democratic dispensation is based on the 1999 constitution, which was largely modelled after the 1979 constitution. The 1979 constitution was produced by a Constituent Assembly and modified by the military. It sought to promote unity in Nigeria by providing for the first time in Nigerian constitution-making that Nigeria would be one indivisible, indissoluble Sovereign Nation under God. This was perhaps a reaction to the attempted secession of Biafra. The 1979 constitution also aimed to give every Nigerian a sense of belonging by reflecting the federal character of the country and promoting national unity and loyalty. However, it is important to note that Nigeria's complex history of colonial borders, ethnic diversity, and federal tensions continue to fuel instability, corruption, and secessionist aspirations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Constitutions | 6 |
| Current Constitution | 1999 |
| Basis of Current Constitution | 1979 Constitution |
| Constitution with Highest Indigenous Input | 1951 |
| Number of Local Government Areas | 768 |
| Number of Federating Units | 6 |
| Number of Federal Republics | 3 |
| Number of Regions | 3 |
| Diversity | Rich ethnic, linguistic, and religious |
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What You'll Learn
The 1979 Presidential Constitution
Nigeria has a complex history of colonial borders, ethnic diversity, and federal tensions, which has resulted in several constitutional changes. The 1979 Presidential Constitution was drafted by a Constituent Assembly and modified by the military. This constitution was produced after almost fourteen years of military dictatorship and aimed to promote unity in diversity in Nigeria.
The 1979 Constitution mandated that political parties and cabinet positions reflect the "federal character" of the nation. It required political parties to be registered in at least two-thirds of the states, and each state was mandated to produce at least one cabinet member. This was an attempt to ensure that the composition of the government reflected the diversity of the country and promoted national unity and loyalty.
The 1979 Constitution also provided for the first time in Nigerian constitution-making that Nigeria would be "one indivisible, indissoluble Sovereign Nation under God," as stated in its preamble and Section 2. This was a response to the attempted secession of Biafra, emphasizing the country's unity and indissolubility.
The 1979 Constitution abolished the constitutions of the federating states, replacing them with a single constitution for Nigeria. This move towards centralization and standardization was confirmed by the Constituent Assembly, reflecting the military's influence on the constitution-making process.
The 1979 Constitution also addressed the number and names of local governments in Nigeria, guaranteeing the system of democratically elected local government councils. This was another effort to give every Nigerian a sense of belonging and representation in the federal, state, and local governments.
It is worth noting that while the 1979 Presidential Constitution made significant strides towards unity in diversity, Nigeria's struggle for a cohesive state continued due to deep-rooted ethnic and regional divides, institutional issues, and the challenges of balancing a unitary state with the autonomy of its diverse regions.
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The 1946 Richard Constitution
Nigeria has a long and complex history of colonial borders, ethnic diversity, and federal tensions, which have resulted in instability, corruption, and secessionist aspirations. The region that is now Nigeria is characterised by rich ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity. During the colonial period, the administration in Nigeria operated with decentralisation. The present-day borders of Nigeria emerged from negotiations between British and French interests. In 1914, British Governor Sir Frederick Lugard merged the Northern Nigeria Protectorate with the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, creating one administrative unit known as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Despite this unification, the two regions continued to be managed separately until 1946.
From 1946 to 1951, constitutional changes took place rapidly, and a quasi-federal arrangement was put in place, with a limited ministerial government introduced for the first time. However, the indirect rule system was carefully incorporated into the constitution, and regional assemblies acted only as advisory and consultative bodies. The elective principle was not extended beyond Lagos and Calabar, and regionalism was introduced unintentionally, causing political division in Nigeria.
Since gaining independence, Nigeria has had six different federal constitutions and various regimes. The First Republic ruled Nigeria from 1963 to 1966 and operated as a democratic and constitutional government modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system. However, tensions stemming from ethno-regional divisions marred the political landscape. The deep-rooted ethnic and regional divides make it challenging for a unified nationwide populist movement to emerge. Addressing the diversity in Nigeria and promoting unity has been a continuous effort in the country's constitutional changes.
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The Macpherson Constitution
Nigeria has a long and complex history of colonial borders, ethnic diversity, and federal tensions, which has resulted in various constitutional changes. The Macpherson Constitution of 1951 was one such change, brought about by the weaknesses of the Richard's Constitution and the increasing anti-colonial sentiment in the country. Sir John Macpherson, who became Governor of Nigeria in 1948, reviewed the 1946 Constitution and, through a series of constitutional conferences held across the country, formed the Macpherson Constitution.
While the Macpherson Constitution did not directly introduce the concept of "unity in diversity" in Nigeria, it laid the groundwork for future constitutions that aimed to address the country's diverse nature and promote national unity. The 1979 Presidential Constitution, for example, made explicit efforts to foster unity in diversity by providing that Nigeria would be "one indivisible, indissoluble Sovereign Nation under God," and by structuring the government to reflect the federal character of the nation and promote national unity and loyalty.
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The struggle for unity
Nigeria's struggle for unity is deeply rooted in its complex history of colonial borders, ethnic diversity, and federal tensions. The country spans a territory characterised by a rich diversity of ethnicities, languages, and religions, with many political systems evolving over different periods and locations, such as the Sokoto Caliphate, the Kingdom of Nri, and the Hausa city-states.
During the colonial period, the British administration in Nigeria operated with a degree of decentralisation. In 1914, British Governor Sir Frederick Lugard merged the Northern Nigeria Protectorate with the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, creating a single administrative unit known as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Despite this unification, the two regions continued to be managed separately until 1946, when the first constitution was introduced.
The 1946 Constitution, also known as The Richard Constitution, formally established regionalism in Nigeria by dividing the country into three geopolitical regions: the Northern, Western, and Eastern regions. This constitution sought to promote unity by increasing the participation of indigenous Nigerians in the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly. However, it was still crafted primarily by colonial Britain, and agitations for more indigenous input soon followed.
The 1951 constitution, known as The Macpherson Constitution, is acclaimed to have had the most significant indigenous input in Nigeria's constitution-making history. From 1946 to 1951, constitutional changes occurred more rapidly, moving towards a quasi-federal arrangement and introducing limited ministerial government.
Since gaining independence, Nigeria has experienced six different federal constitutions and various regimes. The First Republic, which lasted from 1963 to 1966, operated as a democratic and constitutional government modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system. However, ethno-regional divisions, socio-economic disparities, leadership crises, conflicts over census results, and corruption scandals marred this period.
In 1966, a violent military coup d'état ended the First Republic and abolished the 1963 constitution, replacing it with military decrees and a unitary system of government. This marked the beginning of military dictatorship in Nigeria. The 1979 constitution, produced by a Constituent Assembly and modified by the military, jettisoned the parliamentary system in favour of an executive presidential system similar to that of the United States. This constitution, created after nearly 14 years of military dictatorship, emphasised Nigeria's unity and indivisibility for the first time.
The current democratic dispensation in Nigeria is based on the 1999 constitution, which was largely modelled after the 1979 version. Despite various constitutional changes, the struggle for unity in Nigeria remains ongoing, with deep-rooted ethnic and regional divides and ongoing institutional, political, and economic challenges.
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The future of Nigeria
Nigeria has a complex history of colonial borders, ethnic diversity, and federal tensions, which has resulted in ongoing instability, corruption, and secessionist aspirations. The country has had six different federal constitutions since gaining independence, each attempting to balance a unitary state with the diversity and autonomy of its regions. The future of Nigeria lies in effectively addressing these challenges and fostering unity in diversity.
The first step towards achieving this goal is to recognize and embrace the country's ethnic and cultural diversity as a strength rather than a curse. This involves promoting inclusion and ensuring that every citizen has a voice, regardless of their ethnicity or region. Nigeria's federal structure should be utilized to accommodate diversity and empower local communities, with a focus on decentralization. This can be achieved through constitutional reforms that emerge from a national dialogue and address the institutional, political, and economic issues that have led to disunity.
The 1979 Presidential Constitution, created by a Constituent Assembly and modified by the military, was a significant step towards unity in diversity. It replaced the parliamentary system with an executive presidential system, similar to that of the United States. This constitution emphasized Nigeria's indivisibility and sovereignty, and for the first time, abolished the constitutions of the federating states in favor of a single constitution. Additionally, it sought to promote national unity and loyalty by ensuring representation from various states and ethnic groups in the federal, state, and local governments.
The 1946 Constitution, also known as The Richard Constitution, was another important milestone. It formalized regionalism in Nigeria by dividing the country into three geopolitical regions: the Northern, Western, and Eastern regions. This constitution increased the participation of indigenous Nigerians in the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly, marking a shift towards greater inclusion and representation.
Looking forward, Nigeria's future constitution should aim to build upon these foundations and address the challenges that persist. It should strive for a system where ethnicity is not a barrier but a bridge to unity, where differences are celebrated, and where diversity becomes a source of strength. This may involve reverting to a regional form of federal government with six regions (Northeast, Northwest, Northcentral, Southeast, Southwest, and Southsouth) as proposed by some, or exploring other decentralized models that promote inclusivity and accommodate the country's diverse fabric.
In conclusion, the future of Nigeria lies in embracing and effectively managing its diversity. Through constitutional reforms, decentralization, and a commitment to inclusivity, Nigeria can foster unity among its citizens and build a strong and cohesive nation. The country's rich cultural and ethnic tapestry can become its greatest asset, but it requires thoughtful and inclusive governance to transform differences into strengths.
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Frequently asked questions
The current constitution of Nigeria is the 1999 constitution, which was largely modeled after the 1979 constitution.
The first constitution of Nigeria was the 1914 constitution, which created a Nigerian Legislative Council made up of a majority of official and nominated members, with some Nigerian nominated and elected members participating in an advisory capacity.
Since gaining independence, Nigeria has had six different federal constitutions.
The 1946 constitution, also known as The Richard Constitution, sought to promote the unity of Nigeria by increasing the participation of indigenous Nigerians in both the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly.
Nigeria is a country rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, and this diversity presents a pressing challenge. Ethnicity influences power dynamics, resource allocation, and political manipulation, leading to conflicts and contradictions. The struggle for resources has intensified inter-ethnic rivalries, and attempts to create national political units for ethnic accommodation have often fallen short.
