Features of Oliver Lyttleton’s Constitution of 1954 - SS2 Government Lesson Note

The features of Oliver Lyttleton’s Constitution of 1954 include:

• ·         Federal system of government: The constitution created a federal system of government, with powers and responsibilities divided between the central government and the regional governments.
• ·         Three regions: Nigeria was divided into three regions: the Northern Region, the Western Region, and the Eastern Region. Each region had its own government, with its own powers and responsibilities.
• ·         Autonomy for regions: The constitution provided greater autonomy for the regions within Nigeria, while still maintaining the overall unity of the country.
• ·         Federal parliament: The constitution provided for a federal parliament, with a Senate and a House of Representatives.
• ·         Federal judiciary: The constitution also provided for a federal judiciary.
• ·         Central government responsibilities: The central government was responsible for matters such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency.
• ·         Regional government responsibilities: The regional governments were responsible for matters such as education, health, and agriculture.
• ·         Power to intervene: The federal government had the power to intervene in the affairs of the regions in certain circumstances, such as when there was a threat to national security.