Advantages And Disadvantages Of 1979 Constitution Nigeria

What is 1979 Constitution Nigeria?

The 1979 Constitution of Nigeria was the second constitution of Nigeria after the country’s independence from British colonial rule. It was adopted on September 21, 1978, and came into effect on October 1, 1979, marking Nigeria’s return to civilian rule after a period of military rule.

The 1979 Constitution was a significant departure from the earlier 1963 Constitution, which was based on a federal system of government. The 1979 Constitution introduced a presidential system of government, with power centralized at the federal level. The Constitution also provided for a bicameral legislature, with a Senate and a House of Representatives, and for a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

One of the primary advantages of the 1979 Constitution was that it provided for a Bill of Rights, which guaranteed certain fundamental rights to Nigerian citizens. These rights included freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and the right to a fair trial. The Constitution also provided for the establishment of an independent judiciary, which was seen as an important step towards the protection of individual rights and the rule of law.

Another advantage of the 1979 Constitution was that it provided for a more transparent and accountable system of government. The Constitution established the Public Complaints Commission, which was tasked with investigating complaints against public officials and agencies. The Constitution also provided for the establishment of an ombudsman, known as the Federal Civil Service Commission, which was responsible for investigating complaints against the federal civil service.

However, the 1979 Constitution was not without its disadvantages. One of the primary criticisms of the Constitution was that it failed to address the issue of federalism in Nigeria. The Constitution provided for a centralized system of government, which was seen as a departure from the federal system that had been in place under the 1963 Constitution. This centralized system of government was criticized for limiting the autonomy of the states and for contributing to the rise of ethnic tensions in the country.

Another disadvantage of the 1979 Constitution was that it failed to address the issue of corruption in Nigeria. While the Constitution established several mechanisms for transparency and accountability, corruption continued to be a major problem in Nigerian politics, with public officials accused of embezzlement and other forms of financial misconduct.

In conclusion, while the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria had several advantages, such as the establishment of a Bill of Rights and a more transparent and accountable system of government, it also had its share of disadvantages, such as the failure to address the issue of federalism and corruption in Nigerian politics. Despite these shortcomings, the 1979 Constitution represented an important milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development and laid the groundwork for future constitutional reforms.

Advantages of 1979 Constitution Nigeria

The 1979 Constitution of Nigeria was a significant milestone in the country’s democratic development. It was adopted after a long period of military rule and marked Nigeria’s return to civilian rule. The Constitution had several advantages, which helped to establish a more democratic and accountable system of government.

One of the primary advantages of the 1979 Constitution was that it provided for the protection of fundamental human rights. The Constitution established a Bill of Rights, which guaranteed certain fundamental rights to Nigerian citizens, such as the right to life, the right to dignity of the human person, and the right to freedom of expression. This provision helped to protect Nigerian citizens from abuses of power and establish a more just and equitable society.

Another advantage of the 1979 Constitution was that it provided for a more democratic and representative system of government. The Constitution established a bicameral legislature, with a Senate and a House of Representatives, which helped to ensure that the interests of all Nigerians were represented at the national level. The Constitution also provided for a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, which helped to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch.

The 1979 Constitution also helped to establish a more transparent and accountable system of government. The Constitution provided for the establishment of the Public Complaints Commission, which was tasked with investigating complaints against public officials and agencies. The Constitution also established the Federal Civil Service Commission, which was responsible for investigating complaints against the federal civil service. These provisions helped to hold public officials accountable and ensure that the interests of Nigerian citizens were protected.

Furthermore, the 1979 Constitution helped to promote national unity and integration. The Constitution recognized the cultural and linguistic diversity of Nigeria and provided for the protection of minority rights. The Constitution also established a system of revenue allocation that ensured that all regions of the country benefited from Nigeria’s natural resources.

In conclusion, the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria had several advantages, including the protection of fundamental human rights, the establishment of a more democratic and representative system of government, the promotion of transparency and accountability, and the promotion of national unity and integration. Despite its shortcomings, the Constitution represented an important step towards the establishment of a more democratic and just society in Nigeria.

Disadvantages of 1979 Constitution Nigeria

The 1979 Constitution of Nigeria had some significant disadvantages that hindered the country’s democratic development and contributed to political instability. Despite its laudable provisions, the Constitution failed to address some critical issues that continue to plague Nigeria’s democracy to this day.

One of the primary disadvantages of the 1979 Constitution was that it did not adequately address the issue of federalism. The Constitution established a federal system of government but did not define the relationship between the federal government and the states. As a result, there were constant disputes between the federal government and the states over revenue allocation, resource control, and other matters. This led to a situation where some states felt marginalized and oppressed, which fueled ethnic and regional tensions.

Another significant disadvantage of the 1979 Constitution was that it did not provide for an independent judiciary. The Constitution gave the president significant power to appoint judges, which compromised the independence of the judiciary. This allowed the executive branch to exert undue influence over the judiciary, leading to a situation where justice was often denied, and corrupt officials were able to escape punishment.

Furthermore, the 1979 Constitution failed to address the issue of political parties adequately. The Constitution did not provide for the registration of political parties, which led to a proliferation of political parties and a lack of ideological coherence. This contributed to political instability and made it difficult for the government to implement coherent policies.

Additionally, the Constitution did not provide for term limits for elected officials, which allowed politicians to remain in power indefinitely. This contributed to a situation where politicians became entrenched in power and were often more concerned with maintaining their hold on power than serving the interests of the people.

In conclusion, while the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria had some positive provisions, it had several significant disadvantages that hindered the country’s democratic development. The failure to address issues such as federalism, an independent judiciary, political parties, and term limits for elected officials contributed to political instability, corruption, and a lack of accountability. These issues continue to plague Nigeria’s democracy today, and addressing them will be critical for the country’s long-term stability and development.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of 1979 Constitution Nigeria