Post-Independence Constitutions - JSS2 Civic education Lesson Note
- Since gaining independence, Nigeria has undergone several constitutional transitions and revisions, reflecting changing political dynamics, social tensions, and governance challenges.
- The First Republic (1963-1966) was governed under the Independence Constitution until the First Military Coup of 1966, which led to the abrogation of the constitution and the suspension of democratic rule.
- Subsequent military regimes promulgated various decrees and constitutions, including the 1979 Constitution during the Second Republic, the 1989 Constitution during the Third Republic, and the 1999 Constitution during the Fourth Republic, which is the current constitutional framework.
- These post-independence constitutions have witnessed periods of civilian rule, military interventions, constitutional amendments, and efforts to address issues of federalism, governance structure, human rights, and electoral integrity.