RICHARD CONSTITUTION OF 1946

The Clifford constitution lasted for about twenty three [23]years. At the outbreak of the second
world war, Sir Bernard Bourdillon, was the reigning governor between 1939-1944, in 1939, The
Northern and Southern protectorates were made provinces. Northern Nigeria remained a province,
while southern Nigeria was broken into 2. Eastern and Western provinces. a highly educated Nigeria
came back to the country, Dr Nnamdi Azikwe and joined the nationalist movement. the demand
for the improvement on the 1922 constitution were high ,the reigning governor Bernard
Bourdillion had by the 1940’s began arrangement for constitutional reform, he retired in 1944
and was replaced by sir author Richards who was confronted with nationalist demand for
constitutional reforms . this new constitution was tailored specifically to promote the unity of Nigeria
and enhance greater participation of Nigerians in their own affairs. the demand made him to
formulate a constitution with the following aims.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF RICHARD CONSTITUTION

1. To promote the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.
2. To secure a greater participation of Africans in their own affairs.
3. To achieve legislative integration of the country.
4. To create regional legislative councils.
5. To provide for an African majority in the legislature

FEATURES OF THE 1946 RICHARD CONSTITUTION

1. it empowered the legislative council for the first time to legislate for the whole Nigeria
2. It divided Nigeria into three regions north, west, east.
3. Bicameral legislature in the north, unicameral for East and West
4. Elective principle was retained
5. It brought the north and the south together under one legislature
6. It set up three regional assemblies where the request and demands of the regions were
channeled to the legislative council based in Lagos.
7. Regional assemblies were given advisory function only and were not fully legislative houses.
The three most important responsibilities are;

A. To approve the regional financial estimate [budget]

B. To consider and advice on proposed legislation affecting the regions

C. To select regional representative to the legislative councils

MERIT
1. For the first time, the north and south were legislatively integrated
2. Representation was enlarged in the legislative council
3. Regionalism was introduced as a foundation for eventual federalism
4. It recognized the role of traditional rulers
5. Introduction of regionalism, North, East and West
6. Federalism- a full blown federal structure of 1954 was laid down
7. Bi-cameral legislature in the north
8. Franchise qualification was reduced from 100pounds to 50 pounds
9. The constitution provided for one Nigeria in the executive council
10. Unity: it brought together for the first time since 1922 Northern and Southern Nigeria

DEMERIT
1. Elective principle was still restricted to Lagos and Calabar
2. The legislative and executive council lacked working harmony. there was communication
gap between them
3. Nigerians were not consulted before the constitution was formulated and presented to
them
4. It introduced regionalism and sectionalism into Nigeria
5. The legislature was weak, it played only ceremonial roles
6. Executive council was still dominated by Europeans
7. The country was divided into 3 unequal regions making the north larger than the other 2
combined
8. The governor had veto power
9. Chiefs were nominated not elected
10. Nigerians were not involved in discussing constitutional proposals.