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Question

Difficulty: MediumEvolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation

Which feature uniquely distinguished the creation of the Mid-Western Region in 1963 from all subsequent state creation exercises in post-independence Nigeria?

  1. It was executed through a constitutional referendum and parliamentary process rather than by military decree.Answer
  2. B
    It implemented the explicit recommendations of the 1958 Willink Commission on minority fears.
  3. C
    It shifted the Nigerian political system from a federal arrangement to a unitary system of governance.
  4. D
    It was mandated by executive proclamation under the direct supervision of the Supreme Military Council.

Answer

The creation of the Mid-Western Region in 1963 was uniquely distinguished by being the only state or region creation in Nigeria achieved through democratic constitutional procedures, including a referendum, rather than through military decrees.
The correct answer highlights that the Mid-Western Region creation in 1963 was the sole structural reorganization in Nigerian history carried out strictly in accordance with constitutional procedures (including resolutions passed by federal and regional parliaments and a popular plebiscite), whereas all later state creations were unilaterally declared by military heads of state via military decrees.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the constitutional origin of the 1963 Mid-Western Region creation.
Identify that the region was carved out of the Western Region in July/August 1963 under the First Republic civilian administration following a referendum held in July 1963.
Understanding the political context reveals that civilian democratic mechanisms were utilized.
2
Compare the 1963 creation with subsequent state creations (1967, 1976, 1987, 1991, 1996).
All subsequent state creation exercises (Gowon's 12 states, Murtala's 19 states, Babangida's 21 and 30 states, and Abacha's 36 states) were enacted by military decrees.
Establishing this contrast identifies the unique constitutional characteristic of the 1963 exercise.

Key Concept

Democratic vs. Military State Creation in Nigerian Federalism
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Evolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation