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Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Independence Constitution of 1960

Following the recommendations of the 1958 Willink Commission to allay the fears of ethnic minority groups regarding majoritarian dominance in the regions, which key provision was formally entrenched in the 1960 Independence Constitution of Nigeria?

  1. A comprehensive chapter on Fundamental Human RightsAnswer
  2. B
    The designated role of the Federal Supreme Court as the final court of appeal
  3. C
    A unicameral federal legislature with equal representation for all ethnic groups
  4. D
    The absolute executive authority of the Prime Minister to dissolve regional assemblies at will

Answer

A comprehensive chapter on Fundamental Human Rights entrenched in the constitution.
The Willink Commission of 1958 was tasked with addressing the anxieties of minority groups in Nigeria. To alleviate these concerns without creating new regions prior to independence, the 1960 Independence Constitution incorporated an entrenched and justiciable chapter on Fundamental Human Rights, guaranteeing civil and political liberties to all citizens.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context and objective of the Willink Commission (1958).
The Willink Commission was appointed to investigate minority fears of regional political domination by majority groups prior to independence.
Understanding the problem the commission sought to solve leads to the specific constitutional remedy adopted.
2
Examine the constitutional outcome of the commission's recommendations in the 1960 Independence Constitution.
Rather than creating new states, the commission recommended incorporating explicit constitutional safeguards, resulting in a comprehensive, justiciable Chapter on Fundamental Human Rights.
This constitutional inclusion ensured legal protection for rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and movement across all regions.

Key Concept

Entrenchment of Fundamental Human Rights in the 1960 Independence Constitution
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

The Independence Constitution of 1960