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SubjectFree lesson

Pre-independence Constitution

ClassNotes Team 3 MIN READUPDATED 5 JUL 2026

Government S.S.S 2 Third Term

WEEK 3

Pre-independence Constitution

Performance Objectives

Student should be able to:

1. Mention the Richard constitution of 1946

2. Outline the Richard constitution of 1946

3. Identify the common features of the Richard constitution

Richard Constitution of 1946

During the outbreak of the second world war (1939-1945) the Governor of Nigeria was Sir Bourdillon, who was in office between 1939 and 1944. In 1939, the northern and southern protectorates were made provinces. Northern Nigeria remained a province and Southern Nigeria was broken into two, Eastern and Western province. At the time of Bourdillon's retirement in 1944, he had almost concluded the new constitution, where he proposed regionalism. However, Sir Richard's constitution of 1946 replaced Clifford Constitution of 1922. The new constitution was published and tailored specifically to promote the unity of Nigeria and enhance greater participation of Nigerians in their affairs, etc.

Features of the 1946 Richard's Constitution of Nigeria

1. The Executive council

The central executive council of the constitution was dominated by European

2. It comprises of Nigerian Legislative Council list

The membership was 44, sixteen were official and 28 unofficial members. The governor (Richard), Chief Secretary to the government, the three chief commissioners of the provinces were official members. Four were to be elected, three for Lagos ane for Calabar in a franchise of 100 and 20 respectively. And the four would be selected by regional councils and to be set up in each region. Others were nominated to represent the East, West and North as unofficial members.

3. Bi-camera legislature

The constitution granted the North a bicameral legislature - Regional assembly and the Regional House of chiefs. All first chiefs were members by right.

4. Grant from revenue

The revenue of the country were made available to each region in the form of bulk grants.

5. Dual membership

Members of the central legislative council were at the same time members of the regional councils.

6. Legislative powers

The regional assemblies were given limited powers to legislate on minor matters subject to the governors' reserve powers.

Advantages of Richard Constitution of 1946

1. North and South were brought together for legislation

2. The federal structure of 1954 was laid down by this constitution

3. Richard's Constitution allows the unofficial members to be the majority in the legislative council.

4. The constitution brought Northern and Southern Nigeria together making for the unity of the country.

5. Bi-camera legislature was achieved mostly in the Northern side of the country.

Disadvantages of Richard Constitution of 1946

1. The executive council was dominated by Europeans.

2. Veto power is for the governor over bills.

3. The chiefs were nominated and not elected into the legislative council, therefore, they mainly represent the interest of those that nominated them.