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Question

Difficulty: MediumFirst Republic Politics and Major Crises (1960–1966)

During the intense intra-party crisis in the Western Region of Nigeria in May 1962, which constitutional measure did the Federal Government employ to assume executive authority over the region?

  1. Declaring a state of emergency and appointing a Sole Administrator to govern the regionAnswer
  2. B
    Dissolving the Federal Parliament to conduct immediate snap elections across all regions
  3. C
    Abolishing the Western Regional Constitution to permanently establish a unitary system of government
  4. D
    Suspending the regional judicial framework and transferring original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court

Answer

Declaring a state of emergency and appointing a Sole Administrator to govern the region
Following the breakdown of order in the Western Region House of Assembly in May 1962 caused by the Awolowo-Akintola leadership dispute, Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa called a parliamentary session to declare a state of emergency in the Western Region. Under the Emergency Powers Act, Dr. Moses Majekodunmi was appointed as the Sole Administrator to take charge of the region's governance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nature of the May 1962 Western Region political crisis.
The crisis was sparked by a factional rift within the Action Group (AG) between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Akintola, resulting in chaotic proceedings in the Regional House of Assembly.
Understanding the crisis context clarifies why federal intervention was sought.
2
Examine the constitutional step taken by the Federal Government under Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa.
The Federal Parliament invoked emergency provisions to suspend the regional executive and legislative organs temporarily.
The 1960 Independence Constitution empowered parliament to declare a state of emergency when public order was threatened.
3
Identify the administrative arrangement created for the Western Region during the emergency period.
Dr. Moses Majekodunmi was appointed as Sole Administrator to manage regional affairs for six months.
This confirms that declaring a state of emergency and appointing a Sole Administrator was the exact response executed by the federal government.

Key Concept

Federal Emergency Powers in the First Republic
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Topics

First Republic Politics and Major Crises (1960–1966)