Posted by Chester Morton / Friday, 8 April 2016 / No comments
Why Nigeria adopted the federal system of Government
WHY NIGERIA ADOPTED THE FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
Introduction
At independent, Nigeria adopted the federal system of
government as opposed to the unitary system of government which Ghana chose at
independence. Several factors accounted for this choice.
The size of the country
One of the major requirements for a federation is that the
country must be geographically big. In other words, the size of a nation is a
determinant in the choice of either unitary or a federal system of government.
Nigeria is a big country. It covers an area of 923,768 km². So it was one of the reasons
why Nigeria opted for a federal system of government.
Population
Another requirement for a federal state if the
population of the country must be huge. At the time of independence, the
population of Nigeria was about 45.21 million. Many times more than the
population of Ghana. It was no wonder that Nigeria decided to adopt a federal
system of government.
Diverse background
For a federation to be adopted, the ethnic background of the
state must be varied. In Nigeria, there are three major ethnic groups. These
are the Yoruba, the Igbo, and the Fulani. Apart from these three major ethnic
groups, there are over 245 other smaller ethnic groups. Within these ethnic groups are diverse
languages and dialects, and different kinds of religions. It was this diversity
that led to the adoption of federalism by Nigeria.
Regional Leaders supported a federation
By the time of independence, the various political parties
that had emerged on the political scene were regionally based. Their leaders
were from different major tribes. These political leaders were in favour of
the adoption of a federation, hence Nigeria opted for a federal system of
government.
Recommendations of constitutional conferences
Prior to the independence of Nigeria, there were two
constitutional conferences to discuss her independent constitution. At these
two conferences, there was overwhelming support for the adoption of a
federation.
The initial formation of Nigeria
The creation of the state of Nigeria was not an event, it
took many years. First, Lagos and the Southern parts were created in 1906. Then
in 1914, the northern area was created. The seeds of the federation had already
been planted. It is believed that this influenced the choice of a federal
system of government.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. a. What is a federal system of government? [2 marks]
b. Highlight five
reasons why Nigeria adopted the federal system instead of the unitary system of
government. [10 marks]
2. Give six reasons for the adoption of a federation at
independence. [12 marks]
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