Nigerian Independence Republic And Federation Basic 5 Nigerian History Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Give the meaning of a republic
2. Explain the meaning of a federation
3. Describe the structure of Nigeria’s government at independence
4. Examine the parliamentary system of Nigeria’s first republic
5. Write when and how Nigeria became a Federal Republic

What is a Republic?

Meaning of Republic

A Republic is a form of government where:

• The country is ruled by elected representatives
• There is no king or queen as the head of state
• The people choose their leaders through elections
• The head of state (President) is elected by the people
• Power belongs to the people, not to a royal family

Examples of Republics

• United States of America
• France
• South Africa
• Nigeria (since 1963)

Key Features of a Republic

1. Elected Leaders: All important leaders are chosen by the people
2. No Royal Family: No kings, queens, or emperors rule the country
3. Constitution: The country is governed by a written constitution
4. People’s Power: Citizens have the right to vote and choose their government

What is a Federation?

Meaning of Federation

A Federation is a system of government where:

• Power is shared between the central (federal) government and smaller units (states or regions)
• Each level of government has its own responsibilities
• The smaller units keep some independence while being part of a larger country
• Both levels of government work together for the good of the whole country

Examples of Federations

• United States of America (50 states)
• Canada (provinces)
• Australia (states)
• Nigeria (36 states and FCT)

Key Features of a Federation

1. Shared Power: Power is divided between federal and state governments
2. Multiple Levels: There are at least two levels of government
3. Written Constitution: Rules are clearly written about who does what
4. Unity in Diversity: Different regions can maintain their identity while being united

Structure of Nigeria’s Government at Independence (1960)

Government System at Independence

When Nigeria gained independence on October 1st, 1960, it had a Parliamentary System under British influence.

Three Levels of Government

1. Federal Government (Central Government)

Location: Lagos (then capital) Leader: Prime Minister (Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa) Head of State: Governor-General (representing Queen Elizabeth II)

Responsibilities:

• Defense and security
• Foreign affairs and international relations
• Currency and banking
• Inter-regional trade
• Immigration and customs

2. Regional Governments

Nigeria was divided into three regions at independence:

Northern Region

• Capital: Kaduna
• Premier: Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto)
• Dominant Party: Northern People’s Congress (NPC)

Western Region

• Capital: Ibadan
• Premier: Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola
• Dominant Party: Action Group (AG)

Eastern Region

• Capital: Enugu
• Premier: Dr. Michael Okpara
• Dominant Party: National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC)

Regional Responsibilities:

• Education (primary and secondary)
• Health services
• Agriculture
• Local government
• Regional roads and development

3. Local Governments

• Traditional rulers and local councils
• Managed local affairs in towns and villages
• Collected local taxes
• Maintained local roads and markets

Parliamentary System of Nigeria’s First Republic (1960-1966)

What is a Parliamentary System?

A Parliamentary System is a form of government where:

• The executive (Prime Minister) is chosen from the legislature (Parliament)
• The Prime Minister is the head of government
• There is a separate head of state (Governor-General or President)
• The government can be removed by Parliament through a vote of no confidence

Structure of Nigeria’s Parliamentary System

Federal Parliament

The federal parliament had two houses:

House of Representatives (Lower House)

• Members: 312 representatives
• Election: Elected directly by the people
• Term: 5 years
• Role: Made laws and controlled government spending

Senate (Upper House)

• Members: 44 senators
• Selection: Chosen by regional governments
• Role: Reviewed laws from House of Representatives

Key Government Positions

Governor-General (1960-1963)

• First: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
• Role: Head of state representing Queen Elizabeth II
• Powers: Ceremonial duties, signed laws into effect

Prime Minister

• First: Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
• Role: Head of government and leader of the ruling party
• Powers: Led the cabinet, made major government decisions

Cabinet Ministers

• Chosen by the Prime Minister
• Headed different government departments
• Responsible to Parliament

How the Parliamentary System Worked

1. Elections: People voted for representatives
2. Majority Party: The party with most seats formed government
3. Prime Minister: Leader of majority party became Prime Minister
4. Cabinet: Prime Minister chose ministers from Parliament
5. Laws: Parliament made laws, Governor-General signed them

When and How Nigeria Became a Federal Republic

The Change from Parliamentary to Republican System

Date Nigeria Became a Republic

October 1st, 1963 – Exactly 3 years after independence

Why the Change?

1. Complete Independence: Nigerians wanted to remove all traces of British control
2. National Pride: Having a Nigerian as head of state was important
3. True Sovereignty: A republic meant complete self-rule
4. Constitutional Development: Nigeria wanted its own constitutional system

How Nigeria Became a Republic

Steps Taken:

1. Constitutional Conference: Nigerian leaders met to discuss constitutional changes
2. Parliamentary Approval: The federal parliament approved the republican constitution
3. Regional Consent: All three regional governments agreed to the change
4. New Constitution: The Republican Constitution of 1963 was adopted

Key Changes Made:

1. Head of State: Governor-General was replaced by a Nigerian President
2. Presidential Role: The President became the ceremonial head of state
3. Prime Minister: Remained as head of government
4. Parliament: Continued with the same structure
5. Federal System: The federal structure remained the same

First Republican Government (1963-1966)

President (Head of State)

• First President: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
• Election: Chosen by Parliament
• Term: 5 years
• Role: Ceremonial head, signed laws, represented Nigeria internationally

Prime Minister (Head of Government)

• Continued: Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
• Role: Led the government, made policies, controlled cabinet

Regional Structure

• The three regions continued as before
• Same premiers and regional governments
• Federal-regional relationship remained unchanged

Comparison: Nigeria at Independence vs. Nigeria as Republic

Nigeria at Independence (1960-1963)

• System: Parliamentary system under constitutional monarchy
• Head of State: Governor-General (representing British Queen)
• Head of Government: Prime Minister
• Constitution: Independence Constitution of 1960
• Status: Independent country but still linked to British Crown

Nigeria as Republic (1963-1966)

• System: Parliamentary republic
• Head of State: Nigerian President
• Head of Government: Prime Minister
• Constitution: Republican Constitution of 1963
• Status: Completely independent republic

Achievements and Challenges of the First Republic

Achievements

1. Peaceful Transition: Nigeria successfully changed from colony to independent republic
2. Democratic Government: Elections were held regularly
3. Federal System: Power was shared between federal and regional governments
4. Infrastructure Development: Roads, schools, and hospitals were built
5. International Recognition: Nigeria joined United Nations and other international organizations

Challenges

1. Ethnic Tensions: Competition between different ethnic groups
2. Regional Rivalry: The three regions competed for resources and power
3. Political Instability: Disagreements between political parties
4. Economic Problems: Dependence on agriculture and few industries
5. Corruption: Some leaders misused public money

End of the First Republic

What Happened?

The First Republic ended on January 15, 1966 when the military took over government in a coup.

Reasons for Military Takeover

1. Political crisis and instability
2. Corruption among political leaders
3. Ethnic and regional conflicts
4. Economic problems
5. Loss of confidence in civilian government

Lessons from the First Republic

What We Learned

1. Democracy is Important: People should choose their leaders
2. Unity is Strength: Nigerians must work together regardless of tribe or region
3. Good Leadership Matters: Leaders must be honest and serve the people
4. Constitution is Vital: Clear rules help government work properly
5. Federal System Works: Sharing power between different levels of government can be effective

Conclusion

Nigeria’s journey from independence in 1960 to becoming a republic in 1963 was an important step in the country’s development. The parliamentary system of the First Republic, though it had challenges, established important foundations for Nigerian democracy. The federal system introduced during this period continues to be the basis of Nigeria’s government structure today.

Understanding this period helps us appreciate the importance of good governance, unity, and democratic values in building a strong and prosperous nation.

Class Activities

Discussion Questions

1. What is the difference between a monarchy and a republic?
2. Why did Nigeria choose to become a republic in 1963?
3. How does a federal system help a large country like Nigeria?
4. What lessons can we learn from the First Republic?

Group Activities

1. Role Play: Act out a parliamentary session with Prime Minister, ministers, and representatives
2. Map Work: Draw Nigeria showing the three regions at independence
3. Timeline: Create a timeline from independence (1960) to republic (1963)

Assignment

1. Compare Nigeria’s government system at independence with today’s system
2. Write about one achievement and one challenge of the First Republic
3. Explain why federalism is suitable for Nigeria

Key Facts to Remember

Important Dates

• October 1, 1960: Nigeria gained independence
• October 1, 1963: Nigeria became a republic

Important People

• Prime Minister: Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
• First President: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
• Regional Premiers: Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Akintola, Dr. Okpara

Government Structure

• System: Parliamentary republic (1963-1966)
• Regions: Three (Northern, Western, Eastern)
• Capital: Lagos
• Legislature: House of Representatives and Senate

Key Terms

• Republic: Government without a monarch
• Federation: Power shared between central and regional governments
• Parliamentary System: Executive chosen from legislature
• First Republic: Nigeria’s first civilian government (1960-1966)