WAEC Government 2012 Theory — Question 8

Model answer

Features of the policy of indirect rule in West Africa: I. The Policy of the Indirect rule made use of the traditional rulers in West Africa as an intermediary to govern the people, using their local laws and customs. II. The Indirect rule system was based on the respect for African cultures and values and therefore sought to preserve the way of life of the African people. The policy did not attempt to make Africans into British citizens. III. The policy of indirect rule was decentralised in that under the system, the British administered each colony separately and did not make any attempt to unify the colonies under a single administration. IV. Under the Indirect rule system, district and resident officers were used to administer the districts, divisions and province.