Posted by Chester Morton / Tuesday 6 December 2016 / No comments
The advantages of the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution of Nigeria
Introduction
The Lyttleton constitution can be described as the particular
one that prepared the grounds for the federal structure of Nigeria and the
final leap into independence. This constitution was a culmination of a series
of constitutional conferences to review the previous Macpherson constitution.
THE ADVANTAGES
Distinction of levels of government
One of the merits of the Lyttleton constitution was that it
revealed the beginning of the federal elements in the Nigerian political
system. For the first time, there were two distinct level of authority. There
were regional governments and a federal government with autonomous powers.
Direct election
Another positive aspect of the Lyttleton constitution was
that, for the first also, the constitution allowed the electorates to directly
elect their representatives to the regional and federal legislatures.
Nigerians as Ministers
The Lyttleton constitution made provision for the appointment
of Nigerians as Ministers and who were at the same time responsibility for
ministries or departments. This was the first time Nigerians were appointed as
ministers with portfolio.
The beginning of independence
It must be mentioned that the Lyttleton served as the basis
of the Nigerian independence that was to come after six years.
The federal structure
Another positive side of the Lyttleton constitution was that
it had laid the pillars of the federal system of government which was finally
adopted by Nigeria when they finally became independent.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Highlight six advantages of the 1954 Lyttleton constitution
of Nigeria.
2. Explain six advantages of any pre-independent constitution
in your country.
