Features of the Independence Constitution of 1960 - SS2 Government Lesson Note

The Independence Constitution of 1960 was Nigeria's foundational legal document after gaining independence from British colonial rule. Some of its features were:

• ·         Federal system of government: Nigeria was divided into three regions, each with its own legislative and executive arms of government. There was also a federal government with powers over specific areas of national interest.
• ·         Bicameral legislature: The federal government had a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• ·         Parliamentary system: The executive branch was headed by a Prime Minister, who was the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister appointed members of his cabinet from the legislature.
• ·         Judicial system: The constitution established a Supreme Court as the highest court of appeal in the country. There were also High Courts and Magistrate Courts at the regional level.
• ·         Fundamental human rights: The constitution enshrined fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and association.
• ·         Citizenship: The constitution defined the criteria for Nigerian citizenship and allowed for dual citizenship.
• ·         State creation: The constitution allowed for the creation of new states, subject to specific conditions.
• ·         Language: The constitution recognized English as the official language of Nigeria, but also recognized the use of indigenous languages in the regions.
• ·         Religion: The constitution guaranteed freedom of religion and prohibited discrimination on the basis of religion..