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Difficulty: MediumThe Independence Constitution of 1960

Arrange the following key historical events leading up to and solidifying the implementation of Nigeria's 1960 Independence Constitution in chronological order from earliest to latest.

  1. 1The Resumed Constitutional Conference in London where minority fears were addressed and the date for Nigerian independence was agreed upon.
  2. 2The imperial passage of the Nigeria Independence Act by the British Parliament.
  3. 3The formal coming into effect of the 1960 Independence Constitution, creating a parliamentary federation.
  4. 4The assumption of office by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first indigenous Governor-General under the 1960 Constitution.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: (1) The Resumed Constitutional Conference in London (1958), followed by (2) The imperial passage of the Nigeria Independence Act by the British Parliament (July 1960), then (3) The formal coming into effect of the 1960 Independence Constitution (October 1, 1960), and finally (4) The assumption of office by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as Governor-General (November 1960).
The sequence follows historical progression: The Resumed Constitutional Conference in London (1958) finalized constitutional structures and minority safeguards. The British Parliament subsequently enacted the Nigeria Independence Act in July 1960 to transfer sovereign authority. The 1960 Independence Constitution officially took effect on October 1, 1960. Finally, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe assumed office as the first indigenous Governor-General in November 1960, succeeding Sir James Robertson.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the date of the Resumed London Constitutional Conference.
Identified that the conference took place in late 1958.
Constitutional negotiation and agreements on independence dates preceded parliamentary enactment.
2
Determine when the British Parliament enacted the Nigeria Independence Act.
Identified that the imperial legislation was passed in July 1960.
Statutory authority from the colonial power was required prior to independence day.
3
Determine the commencement date of the Independence Constitution.
Identified that the constitution took effect on October 1, 1960.
October 1, 1960, marked the formal transition of Nigeria into an independent federal state.
4
Determine when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Governor-General.
Identified that Azikiwe took office in November 1960.
Sir James Robertson served as Governor-General on October 1, 1960, with Azikiwe assuming office a month later.

Key Concept

Chronological development and implementation milestones of the 1960 Independence Constitution.
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Topics

The Independence Constitution of 1960