Sources of the Nigerian Constitution - JSS3 Civic education Lesson Note
The Nigerian constitution draws from multiple sources, reflecting the country's historical, legal, and cultural heritage:
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Colonial Legacy: The Nigerian constitution has its roots in colonial-era legal frameworks, including British statutes, ordinances, and judicial precedents, which influenced early constitutional developments in the country.
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Independence Constitution: Nigeria's first indigenous constitution was adopted upon gaining independence in 1960, incorporating elements of British constitutional principles and reflecting the aspirations of the Nigerian people for self-governance and sovereignty.
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Military Decrees: During periods of military rule, constitutional governance was suspended, and governance was conducted through decrees issued by military regimes, which often served as de facto constitutions, albeit lacking democratic legitimacy.
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Constitutional Conferences: Constitutional conferences and assemblies convened at various times in Nigeria's history have played a significant role in shaping constitutional development, including the drafting and amendment of constitutional documents through consensus-building and negotiation among stakeholders.