From 1922 through 1963 when nigeria became a republic, the analysis of. The major difference between 1960 and 1963 is that it was parliamentary system of government where they have two head of government which are head of state and head of government and is based under the rules of the british government which is the. However, nigeria still remained a member of the british commonwealth of nations although appeals no longer went to the privy council. Since the first republican constitution in 1960, ghana has had three other constitutions. Mar 21, 2020 the country became independent on october 1, 1960, and in 1963 adopted a republican constitution but elected to stay a member of the commonwealth. The period between this date and january 15, 1966, when the first military coup detat took place, is generally referred to as the first republic, although the country only became a republic on october 1, 1963.
All threat to the republican form of the state and to the democratic institutions is a crime of high treason punished as such by the law. There was no other constitution until 1979 because the military. Theres a certain history that resulted in the creation and these rulesets, however, the current constitution was established only in 1999. History of nigerian constitutional development the jet lawyer. Nigerias first constitution as a sovereign state was enacted by a british order in council so as to come into force immediately upon independence, on 1 october 1960. Under the 1989 constitution, they were codified under section 320 subsections 1ac, 2 and 3 federal military government of nigeria, 1989 while the 1999 constitution has these provisions in.
Colonial elite and constitutional making in nigeria 1922 1963 the attainment of a republican status and consequently constitutional government in nigeria in 1963, can be regarded as a logical outcome of sequence constitutional developments that started with the cliffords constitution. The foregoing becomes necessary in view of the fact that, we need to go down. Features of 1999 constitution in nigeria updated legit. Nigerian 1963 republican constitution westafrican constitutional. This constitution continued arrangements developed in 1960 to pacify minorities and foster a sense of belonging for all nigerians. As an electronic pdf softcopy, it will be delivered to you by email. Constitution of the federal republic of nigeria 1999 arrangement of sections chapter i general provisions part i federal republic of nigeria 1. The republican constitution of 1963 was contemplated and later introduced to replace the governorgeneral with a president. Nnamdi azikiwe elected as the first president and commander of the armed forces of the federal republic of nigeria. Service commission would preclude the appointment of judges who. It is the successor of the three previous constitutions of 1960, 1963, 1979 and 1993. It lays down rules regarding the organisation, powers and functions of government. The 1963 republican constitution was substantially the same as the 1960 document. The constitutional situation of the nigerian states.
National capital the capital of the republic of niger is niamey. Features of the republican constitution of 1963 nigerian. Right to life every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in nigeria section 33 of the 1999 constitution. Contested elections and political turbulence in the western region ended nigerias first republic in 1966 with the overthrow of the government by majors of the nigerian army. Fundamental human rights in nigeria nigerian finder. Thus, in the colonial era, the constitution, where it existed, rather than being an instrument of empowerment was an instrument of domination. Nigerias constitution of 1999 with amendments through 2011. The importance of a constitution in any given society cannot be overemphasized.
Also notable in the 1963 constitution is the increase of senate membership from fourty four 44 to fifty six 56 members. Conference which led to the enactment of the 1960 independence and 1963 republican constitutions. By this, we hope to be able to raise enrollment numbers and reduce the poor academic performance of students and the drastic failure rates in exams while also working to enhance instructional practice among teachers using familiar channels of interaction to train and empower them on the use. The first republic was the republican government of nigeria between 1963 and 1966, governed by the first republic constitution. The constitution guarantees every citizen equality under the law. Constitution of the federal republic of nigeria, 1963 civilian nigerian president as ceremonial head of state replaced queen. Constitutional development in nigeria from 1960 to date. The nigerian electoral process in perspective elections under colonial rule before independence in 1960, nigeria, which existed as an amalgamation of the. Constitution of the republic of south africa, 1996 as adopted on 8 may 1996 and amended on 11 october 1996 by the constitutional assembly isbn 97806290636. It is a country with a current population of about 180 million people, and with different. History of nigerian education the nigerian education system started slowly but soundly developing during the colonial time until the conclusion of world war ii. First schedule to this constitution and six area councils as shown in part ii of that schedule. Features of 1989 republican constitution nigerian infopedia.
Features of the republican constitution of 1963 nigerian infopedia. The republican constitution of 1963 was also based on rigid federal principles with four regions namely. Nigeria first became a republic in 1963, but succumbed to military rule three years later after a bloody coup detat. Principles and concepts august 2014 about this series these constitutionbuilding primers are intended to assist incountry constitutionbuilding or constitutionalreform processes by. Type of government envisioned the state of niger is an independent and sovereign republic. The 1963 republican constitution which the nigeria parliament purposed to enact in 1963 following the earlier colonial comriderts and suspect in no different it remains an act of parliament not a constitution, the material different between the 1960 and 1963 constitute is that the latter 1963 constitution declared nigeria a republic and. Just like every other country, nigeria has it own law that is a constitution which is the highest law in every country. May 31, 2018 the major difference between 1960 and 1963 is that it was parliamentary system of government where they have two head of government which are head of state and head of government and is based under the rules of the british government which is the.
Sakala leads every reader in principles that will help you triumph over your giants. A republican constitution vs the military constitution. Constitution of the federal republic of nigeria promulgation decree 1989 no. The nigeria constitution is the highest law in nigeria, any law that is not consistent with the constitution is null and void. What are the major differences between the 1960 and 1963. A new constitution established a federal system with an elected prime minister and a ceremonial head of state. This resulted in significant changes in the federal structure, institutions. In this section the expression statutory corporation has the meaning assigned to it for the purposes of section 45 of this constitution. Birth of code of conduct tribunal, by eric teniola. The constitution of nigeria recognises the right of any person to resign from an office to which he has been appointed or elected.
The 1963 republican constitution was substantially the same as the 1960 document, except that it severed nigerias tie to the british monarchy although nigeria remained a member of the commonwealth. The 1960 constitution has 154 sections and 11 chapters where the 1963 constitution has 159 sections 12 chapters. Roles, misconceptions and experience in democratic nigeria 1. The legislative powers of the nigerian state were in an act of the british parliament and not that of the nigerian parliament till nigeria became a republic in 1963. The bill seeks to alter the constitution of the federal republic of nigeria, 1999 to delete the land use act from the constitution so that it can be subject to the regular process of amendment. Jul, 2018 just like every other country, nigeria has it own law that is a constitution which is the highest law in every country. The crc produced a constitution which was deliberated upon by a 452member.
The constitution made provision for real independence of the nigerian state. The constitutional development in nigeria from 1914 till date can be divided into two generation. Constitution of the federal republic of nigeria pdf download. The significance of these phrases is better appreciated against the. Constitution of the federal republic of nigeria promulgation. At this time, the constitution of the islamic republic of iran, as an articulation of the political, social, cultural, and economic relations and institutions of the society, was to open the way for. Under this constitution nigeria retained queen elizabeth ii as titular head of state. You will need to provide your email address, where you want the constitution to be sent to. Nnamdi azikiwe became the president of nigeria in 1963 after nigeria became a republic, while tafawa balewa maintained his position as the prime minister. Since 1999 it has governed the country according to the fourth republican constitution.
The 1963 census which put nigeria s population at some 55. The significance of curriculum development is to let let children learn. The material different between the 1960 and 1963 constitution is that the latter 1963 constitution declared nigeria a republic and changed the designation of the governor general to president. Mar 09, 2020 the federal republic of nigeria which gained independence in 1960, after a long period of colonialism by the british government, has a remarkable constitutional development.
This new constitution was passed into law on 1st october 1963 and it was in line with the constitutional conference that was held in lagos between july 25 and 26, 1963. The ncnc, now headed by azikiwe who had taken control after macaulays death in 1946, formed a coalition with balewas npc after neither party won a majority in the 1959 elections. This document contains major provisions of the constitution of the federal republic of nigeria which was promulgated by decree in 1989. Download the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of nigeria, as amended, free pdf copy for desktop and mobile. Many issues remained unresolved, especially the criteria for the division of revenue between the centre and the regions. The fourth republic is the current republican government of nigeria. Aug 24, 2016 we are invited to contrast this status quo with the legalinstitutional framework that existed in the 1960s, a framework that was enabled by nigerias erstwhile 1963 republican constitution. Features of the 1963 constitution both the 1960 independence constitution and the 1963 republic constitution were the same. And to provide for a constitution for the purpose of promoting the good. The 1963 republican constitution which the nigeria parliament purposed to enact in 1963 following the earlier colonial comriderts and suspect in no different it remains an act of parliament not a constitution, the material different between the 1960 and 1963 constitute is that the latter 1963 constitution. It came into force on 1st of october, 1963 nigeria s third anniversary as an independent nation.
Nov 22, 2016 if you pick the 1999 constitution of nigeria even as amended and place it side by side with 1979 constitution and the 1963 constitution, you will get to discover that what you have in 1963. Historical development of the nigerian constitution. In 1963, all colonial ties were removed by giving a republican status to the country. In 1967, the military government of yakubu gowon created states and nigeria became a federation of 12 states. The federal republic of nigeria is an african country known for its history and culture, natural landmarks and wildlife reserves. We are invited to contrast this status quo with the legalinstitutional framework that existed in the 1960s, a framework that was enabled by nigeria s erstwhile 1963 republican constitution. Part ii powers of the federal republic of nigeria 4.
Constitution of the federal republic of nigeria wipo. The census conducted in 1963 was thought to favour the hausafulani more than the rest of nigeria and this dissatisfied the igbos, leading to the splitting of the ncnc with the npc. The republic article 1 establishment of th e republic o f namibia and id entification of its territory 1 the republic of namibia is hereby established as a sovereign, secular, democratic and unitary state founded u pon the prin ciples of democracy, the rule of law and justice for all. This constitution shall have the force of law throughout nigeria and, subject to the provisions of section 4 of this constitution, if any other law including the constitution of a region is inconsistent with this constitution, this constitution shall prevail and the. The federal republic of nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the government of nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this constitution. But if they dominate, the judicial process becomes a dangerous sham.
It highlights and emphasizes different important areas of nigerian laws and policies, talks about citizenship, the executive head, law systems, forms of elections, police force, political parties, etc. Nigeria is bordered to the north by niger, to the east by chad and cameroon, to the south by the gulf of guinea of the atlantic ocean, and to the west by benin. Constitution of michigan of 1963 preamble preamble. Nigeria became a republic once again after a new constitution was. Constitution of the federal republic of nigeria, 1999.
The republican constitution of 1963 university of miami school of. Nigeria was granted independence on october 1, 1960. Jul 28, 2009 the federation of nigeria is the most populous and potentially the most powerful nation in africa. It was a followup to the constitutional conference held in lagos on 25 and 26 july 1963, designed to resolve the following issues. On 19 september 1963 the republican constitution was passed into law by the federal parliament and became operational on 1 april 1963. History of the curriculum development of nigeria answers.
The first constitution in nigeria was made on 1 october 1960. The 1999 constitution was adopted after the 1993 constitution and started the fourth republic of nigeria. Adele jinadu university of lagos, nigeria this article examines the importance attached to constituent state constitution making during nigeria s recent exercise in designing a new federal constitution. We, the people of the state of michigan, grateful to almighty god for the blessings of freedom, and earnestly desiring to secure these blessings undiminished to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution.
Mar 17, 2016 history of nigerian constitutional development introduction. The act establishing the constitution was passed by the nigerian parliament, instead of. It was in many ways a revival of the second republic, which was in place between 1979 and 1983 and suffers many of the same problems, such as multiple ministries which made policy planning difficult citation needed. Nigeria and a tale of three viruses, by chiamaka okafor. The republican constitution of 1963 was essentially the 1960 independence constitution rewritten with some minor modifications, and it came into operation on the 1st of october, 1963. The republican constitution of 1963 gave exclusive powers to the federal government in areas such as defence, external affairs, immigration, passports, currency, railways, post and telecommunications, aviation and meteorology.
The nigerian republican constitution of 1963 a republican form of government can be defined as a sovereign state headed by a president elected for a fixed. This act alters the provisions of the federal republic of nigeria constitution and the first alteration act. The 1963 constitution, which was based on the westminster system, continued in operation until a military coup in 1966 overthrew nigeria s democratic institutions. The first republic was the republican government of nigeria between 1963 and 1966 governed by the first republican constitution. Features of the republican constitution of 1963 include.
These steps resulted to the first true independence of nigeria, making nigeria a republic, with dr. Elections during the first republic nigeria s political independence was ushered in by the 12 december 1959. Independent nigeria s second constitution established the country as a federal republic. The country gained independence from the british government on october 1, 1960, and became a republic in 1963. Individual judgment and feeling cannot be wholly shut out of the judicial process. It was in a bid to change the dominance of external affairs of nigeria by britain that a new constitution call the republican constitution of 1963 was proposed and adopted in 1963. Founded 1963 although nigeria gained independence from the united kingdom on october 1, 1960, the nation retained the british monarch, elizabeth ii, as titular head of state until the adoption of a new constitution in 1963 declaring the nation a republic.
It also defines the basic features of the state and the relation between the citizens and the state. The author will show you the significance of dreams and what could threaten your dreams. History of political parties in nigeria nigerian finder. Constitution of the federal republic of nigeria 1999. Thus provisions of the 1963 republican constitution removed the queen of. The christian missionaries introduced the western education system in nigeria in the midnineteenth century. With respect to the islamic content of the iranian revolution, which was a movement for the. On the whole, looking at the supremacy of the constitution and governance in nigeria, it is instructive to note that there has been poor culture of constitutionalism in nigeria. A republican constitution vs the military constitution the. Thus, in the colonial era, the constitution, where it existed, rather than being an instrument of empowerment was an. Thus, an attempt to discuss the issue must succinctly. It is the fundamental and organic law of a nation or state that establishes. A separatist movement later formed the republic of biafra in 1967, leading to the threeyear nigerian civil war. The situation whereby the legislative powers of nigerian parliaments.
It will help to appreciate the relevance of constitutional government in ensuring. The constitution, in nigerias situation, is the supreme law of the land which all acts of individuals and of parliament must not contravene. The 1963 republican constitution which the nigeria parliament purposed to enact in 1963 following the earlier colonial comriderts and suspect in no different it remains an act of parliament not a constitution, the material different between the 1960 and 1963 constitute is that the latter 1963 constitution declared nigeria a republic and cloyed the designation of the governor general to president the 1960 constitution has 104 sects and ii chapters where the 1963 constitute. The 1960 independence and the 1963 republican constitutions respectively enshrined some fundamental principles of fiscal federalism and elements of resource control in view of the level of derivation percentage that the regions enjoyed. African journal of criminology and justice studies. A unitary style of government was subsequently decreed into law. This constitution removed queen elizabeth as the head of state. According to the constitution of the federal republic of nigeria, these are the fundamental human rights. Constitution of the republic of south africa manner of reference to the act, previously constitution of the republic of south africa, act 108 of 1996. The constitutional situation of the nigerian states l. The journey to independence started with some constitutional developments in nigeria, these constitutional developments saw the country attaining selfrule in some quarters in 1957 and total independence on october 1, 1960.