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Difficulty: EasyThe Independence Constitution of 1960

Under the 1960 Independence Constitution of Nigeria, executive power was structured according to the Westminster parliamentary system. Who served as the Head of Government holding executive administrative power?

  1. The Prime MinisterAnswer
  2. B
    The Governor-General
  3. C
    The Queen of England
  4. D
    The President of the Senate

Answer

The Prime Minister served as the Head of Government under the 1960 Independence Constitution.
The 1960 Independence Constitution instituted a parliamentary system with a dual executive. The ceremonial Head of State was the Governor-General (representing Queen Elizabeth II), while the Prime Minister presided over the cabinet as the Head of Government and chief executive authority.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the system of government established by the 1960 Independence Constitution
Nigeria adopted a parliamentary (Westminster) system of government upon gaining independence in 1960.
Constitutional development up to 1960 retained the British parliamentary executive arrangement.
2
Distinguish between executive roles in a parliamentary system
Executive power is dualistic: split between a ceremonial Head of State (Governor-General/Monarch) and an operational Head of Government (Prime Minister).
In a cabinet system, cabinet leadership and administrative policy direction belong strictly to the Prime Minister.

Key Concept

Executive Dualism in the 1960 Parliamentary Constitution
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Topics

The Independence Constitution of 1960