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Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Macpherson Constitution of 1951

The drafting and adoption of the Macpherson Constitution involved specific key administrative and political milestones between 1948 and 1951. Arrange the following historical milestones in the correct chronological order from earliest to latest.

  1. 1Assumption of office by Sir John Macpherson as Governor of Nigeria
  2. 2Formal announcement in the Legislative Council calling for a nationwide constitutional review
  3. 3Convening of the Ibadan General Conference to review regional recommendations
  4. 4Promulgation and formal coming into effect of the Macpherson Constitution

Answer

The correct chronological order of milestones leading to the Macpherson Constitution is: Assumption of office by Sir John Macpherson as Governor (1948), Formal announcement of nationwide constitutional review (1948), Convening of the Ibadan General Conference (1950), and Promulgation of the Macpherson Constitution (1951).
The historical process began with Sir John Macpherson becoming Governor in 1948, followed immediately by his announcement in the Legislative Council for a wide constitutional review. This led to consultations culminating in the Ibadan General Conference in January 1950, which produced recommendations implemented in the final 1951 constitution.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the initial political change
Sir John Macpherson replaced Sir Arthur Richards as Governor of Nigeria in 1948.
This leadership change set the stage for reviewing the unpopular Richards Constitution.
2
Determine the administrative response to public criticism
Governor Macpherson announced a comprehensive constitutional review process in late 1948.
The administration sought to avoid the previous governor's error of imposing a constitution without popular consultation.
3
Identify the central synthesis conference
The Ibadan General Conference took place in January 1950.
Delegates met at Ibadan to harmonize resolutions from village, district, provincial, and regional levels.
4
Pinpoint the final legislative enactment
The Macpherson Constitution was formally enacted and came into force in 1951.
Following recommendations from the Ibadan Conference and colonial approval, the constitution was officially promulgated.

Key Concept

Pre-promulgation Timeline of the Macpherson Constitution of 1951
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Topics

The Macpherson Constitution of 1951