Nigerian 1963 Republican Constitution

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 term of office. Unlike a monarchy, succession in the office of the Head of State is non-hereditary but elective. It is a representative democracy in which government is by the consent of the people.

The Prime Minister and the Regional Prime Minister met in May, 1963 in order to discuss and to settle constitutional issues. So, the conference of the heads of government in Nigeria agreed to summon the all-party constitutional conference in Lagos to suggest to it important changes in the constitution. The all-party conference met in July, 1963 and agreed that Nigeria should become a republic and that the president of the republic should have the same powers as the Governor-General had under the Independence Constitution.

FEATURES OF THE 1963 REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION

1. It provided for an elected president who would no longer represent the Queen of England.
2. Parliament vested with alteration of the constitution.
3. Procedure for creation of new states established.
4. Parliament made up of President, Senate, and House of Representatives.
5. Supreme Court became the highest court in the land.

MERITS OF THE 1963 REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION

1. An elected president became the Head of State to replace the British Monarch who was a Nigeria’s head under the Independence Constitution.
2. The constitution was an autochthonous one, i.e. a home-made constitution.
3. The Supreme Court became the final court of appeal instead of the British Privy Council.
4. The rights of citizens were fully guaranteed and entrenched.
5. The decision making process in the country fully involved Nigerians.

DEMERITS OF THE 1963 REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION

1. The President was elected by the National Assembly who constituted the minority instead of the majority of the electorates.
2. Only the legislative and executive arms of government were used effectively.
3. It permitted ‘carpet-crossing’ in which elected politicians shifted party allegiance for personal rewards.
4. There was parliamentary supremacy in the constitution.
5. The Prime Minister was accountable to the parliament and not to the people.