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Question

Difficulty: MediumEvolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation

In the structural evolution of Nigerian federalism, the Mid-Western Region created in 1963 holds a unique historical distinction because it was the only sub-national unit created through which of the following procedures?

  1. A constitutional democratic process requiring legislative approval and a referendumAnswer
  2. B
    The direct execution of the 1957 Willink Commission's boundary recommendations
  3. C
    An executive decree issued by the Prime Minister under emergency powers
  4. D
    A military proclamation reorganizing the original post-independence regions

Answer

A constitutional democratic process requiring legislative approval and a referendum
The creation of the Mid-Western Region out of the Western Region in July 1963 was carried out strictly under the provisions of the 1960/1963 Constitutions, which mandated approval by the Federal Parliament, at least two Regional Assemblies, and a popular referendum in the area concerned. All subsequent state creation exercises (1967, 1976, 1987, 1991, 1996) were enacted by military decrees.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the historical context of state creation in Nigeria prior to military intervention.
Between 1960 and 1966, Nigeria operated a constitutional democratic federal system under the First Republic.
Understanding the political regime in 1963 clarifies how territorial adjustments were legally authorized.
2
Identify the constitutional procedure used to create the Mid-Western Region in 1963.
The creation followed constitutional provisions requiring a two-thirds majority vote in the federal parliament, approval by a majority of regional assemblies, and a successful plebiscite (referendum) in the affected area.
This confirms that the Mid-Western Region remains the only sub-national unit in Nigeria's political history created by democratic constitutional mechanisms rather than military decrees.

Key Concept

Democratic Constitutional State Creation in Nigeria
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Topics

Evolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation