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Difficulty: MediumThe Independence Constitution of 1960

The legal and political progression towards Nigeria's 1960 Independence Constitution involved several pivotal conferences, commission reports, and legislative acts. Which sequence correctly arranges these historical milestones in chronological order from earliest to latest?

  1. 1Granting of internal self-government to the Western and Eastern Regions following constitutional negotiations.
  2. 2Submission of the Willink Commission Report recommending a bill of rights to safeguard ethnic minority groups.
  3. 3Resolution at the Resumed London Constitutional Conference officially fixing October 1, 1960, as the date of independence.
  4. 4Passage of the Nigeria Independence Act by the British Imperial Parliament.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: (1) Granting of internal self-government to the Western and Eastern Regions (1957), (2) Submission of the Willink Commission Report (1958), (3) Resolution at the Resumed Constitutional Conference fixing the independence date (1958), and (4) Passage of the Nigeria Independence Act by the British Parliament (1960).
The transition to independence followed a clear chronological order: Regional self-government was first granted to the Eastern and Western Regions in 1957. The Willink Commission subsequently submitted its report on minority concerns in 1958. Later in October 1958, the Resumed Constitutional Conference formally scheduled independence for October 1, 1960. Finally, in July 1960, the British Parliament enacted the Nigeria Independence Act to bring the 1960 Constitution into full legal effect.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the date of regional self-government for the East and West.
The Eastern and Western Regions attained self-government in 1957 following the 1957 Constitutional Conference.
This established executive regional leadership prior to resolving minority fears.
2
Determine when the Willink Commission submitted its report.
The Willink Commission released its findings in 1958 recommending the inclusion of Fundamental Human Rights.
This report was completed before the final constitutional conference wrapped up negotiations.
3
Identify the conference where the independence date was set.
The Resumed Constitutional Conference held in late 1958 agreed on October 1, 1960, as the date for Nigerian independence.
This agreement set the firm deadline for legal drafting.
4
Identify the final statutory act by the colonial authority.
The British Imperial Parliament formally enacted the Nigeria Independence Act in July 1960.
This act created the legal framework that brought the 1960 Independence Constitution into force.

Key Concept

Chronological evolution of constitutional conferences, commission reports, and acts leading to the 1960 Independence Constitution
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Topics

The Independence Constitution of 1960