Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday 12 November 2016 / No comments
Why Indirect Rule succeeded in Northern Nigeria
Introduction
Indirect Rule is the system of government in
which the traditional structures of the local people were employed in the
administration of the British overseas territories in West Africa. The
architect of the system, in West Africa, was Lord Frederick Lugard. He first
experimented with the system in Northern Nigeria and when it was found to be
successful, it was replicated in
other parts of British West Africa.
Indirect Rule succeeded in Northern Nigeria for
many reasons, some of which are explained below.
Traditionally installed chief
The Emirs who were the traditional rulers in
northern Nigeria were traditionally installed or enstooled by the people and
therefore widely accepted across board. These were the people who were
appointed to the Native Authority. There no problems when these Emirs gave
instructions to the natives, even if the instructions came from the British Officers.
This was because the natives were used to taking orders from the Emirs.
Effective traditional ruler
By the time Lord Lugard introduced indirect rule
in northern Nigeria, there was already in existence an effective chieftaincy
system. The Emirs or Sultans were already administering the areas with relative
success and the people were used to a centralized authority. Therefore,
indirect rule just fitted into the traditional political system.
System of taxation
The northern territories of Nigeria were already
operating a form of taxation so the people were used to paying of taxes like
cattle tax and they also paid tributes. It was therefore not difficult for the
natives to accept the payment of taxes when Lord Lugard reformed the already
existing one.
Absence of educated elite
In northern Nigeria, there were no educated elite
as there were in Southern Nigeria. Unlike in the south where one could fine
British-trained lawyers and journalists, for example, in Northern Nigeria, there
were no such classes of people with whom the colonial authorities could contend.
There was therefore a free ride for the British officials.
The existence of Islamic Courts
Indirect rule succeeded in northern Nigeria because
there was already in existence a native judicial system. The Emirs in northern Nigeria
operated a court system where criminals were tried and if found guilty,
convicted. This was the very system Lord Lugard adopted and reformed. For
example, they Islamic Courts could not impose a death sentence without the
approval of the British resident officials.
Direction by British officials
The presence of British resident officials in
northern Nigeria, giving the Emirs the necessary administrative direction also
contributed to the success of indirect rule in northern Nigeria. British
political officials such as the District Commissioner were available to guide
and to advise the traditional rulers in the north and this also ensured that
the system succeeded.
SAMPLE
QUESTIONS
1. Highlight six reasons why the policy of
indirect rule succeeded in northern Nigeria.
