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Colonial Administration and Constitutional Development

121 questions

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Under Nigeria's 1960 Independence Constitution, executive authority was divided between a ceremonial Head of State and an executive Head of Government. Which of the following accurately describes the process for appointing federal cabinet ministers under this parliamentary arrangement?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The Governor-General formally appointed ministers acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Answer

The Governor-General formally appointed ministers acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Under the 1960 Independence Constitution, Nigeria adopted a parliamentary cabinet system of government. Executive authority was formally vested in Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by the Governor-General as the ceremonial Head of State. However, real political power was exercised by the Prime Minister as Head of Government. Accordingly, cabinet ministers were legally and formally appointed by the Governor-General acting strictly on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the executive system framework operating under the 1960 Independence Constitution.
The 1960 Constitution established a Westminster-style parliamentary system characterized by executive dualism.
The constitution separated the ceremonial role of the Head of State (Governor-General representing Queen Elizabeth II) from the political role of the Head of Government (Prime Minister).
2
Analyze the constitutional procedure for cabinet appointments within this dual executive framework.
Cabinet ministers were formally appointed by the Governor-General upon the recommendation and advice of the Prime Minister.
In a cabinet parliamentary system, the ceremonial Head of State acts on the advice of the Prime Minister who commands the confidence of the majority in the House of Representatives.

Key Concept

Executive Dualism and Cabinet Appointment under the 1960 Constitution
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