WAEC Government 2010 Theory — Question 12

Model answer

The following are the ways by which the Clifford Constitution was significant to Nigeria: (i) The Clifford constitution established for the first time, elective principle, which made it possible for the election of representatives into the legislative council. Thus, this constitution made it possible for Nigerians in Lagos and Calabar to elect their representatives, for the first time anywhere in British West Africa. (ii) The constitution was also very significant because it created the legislative council for the colony and protectorate of southern Nigeria. This was the first time a legislative body will be created in the history of the country. (iii) The Clifford constitution galvanised political participation in Nigeria which resulted into the formation of the first political party in Nigeria, the NNDP, and the establishment of newspapers. (iv) The constitution is also significant in that it remains to date the longest serving constitution in Nigeria. (v) The constitution remains very significant in the political and constitutional development of Nigeria for it is the first constitution in the history of the country (any five).