Download This y talks about the Oliver LYTTLETON constitution of 1954 and more Assignments Constitutional Law in PDF only on Docsity! Who is Oliver Lyttleton
Oliver Lyttelton,1st Viscount Chandos, was
a British politician who served as the
President of the Board of Trade, Minister
of Production, and Chancellor of the Duchy
of Lancaster during World War II. He was
also involved in post-war reconstruction
efforts and held various other government
positions. Additionally, he was a member
of the Conservative Party and made
significant contributions to British politics
during his career.
The Oliver Lyttleton constitution of 1954,
explained
The Oliver Lyttleton Constitution of1954
was a Significant milestone in the
constitutional history of Nigeria. It was
named after Oliver Lyttleton, who was the
British Secretary of State for the Colonies
at the time. The constitution introduced a
federal system of government to Nigeria,
which granted significant powers to the
regions while retaining some authority at
the central level.
Key features of the constitution included
the establishment of a bicameral
legislature at the center, with a House of
Representatives and a Senate. It also
provided for regional assemblies in the
Northern, Western, and Eastern regions of
Nigeria, each with its own legislative and
executive powers.
The constitution aimed to address the
growing demands for self-governance and
representation from the various regions of
Nigeria. However, it also maintained
certain powers at the federal level,
particularly in areas such as defense,
foreign affairs, and currency.
independence.
Weakness of the constitution
The Oliver Lyttleton Constitution 0f1954,
like any constitution, had its strengths and
weaknesses. Some weaknesses of the
constitution include:
1. Limited representation: The constitution
maintained significant central control,
which limited the extent of regional
autonomy and representation. This led to
concerns about the unequal distribution of
power and resources among the regions.
2. Ethnic tensions: The constitution did not
fully address the underlying ethnic and
regional tensions within Nigeria, leading to
ongoing challenges related to ethnic and
regional representation and power-sharing.
3. Limited inclusivity: The constitution did
not fully incorporate the input and
perspectives of all ethnic groups and
regions, which contributed to feelings of
marginalization and exclusion among
certain segments of the population.
4. Centralized power: While the
constitution introduced federalism, some
critics argued that the central government
still retained significant powers, potentially
limiting the ability of the regions to govern
themselves effectively.
5. Limited provisions for future changes:
The constitution did not provide a clear
mechanism for addressing future changes
and challenges, which could hinder its
adaptability to evolving circumstances.
It's important to note that the weaknesses
of the Oliver Lyttleton Constitution
contributed to ongoing political and social
challenges in Nigeria, and subsequent
constitutional developments have aimed
to address these shortcomings.
Merit and demerit of the constitution
The Oliver Lyttleton Constitution of 1954
had both merits and demerits. Here are
some of the key points:
Merits:
1. Introduction of federalism: The
constitution introduced a federal system
of government, which aimed to balance
power between the central government
and the regions, allowing for some degree
of regional autonomy.
2. Creation of regional governments: The
constitution established three regional
governments, providing a framework for
regional representation and governance,
which allowed for a degree of local