The Macpherson Constitution, introduced in Nigeria, outlined a governance structure that included a Council of Ministers and Regional Executive Councils. The Council of Ministers consisted of the Governor as President, 6 ex officio members of the House of Representatives, and 12 Ministers elected by the Joint Council of the Northern Houses of Chiefs and Assembly, and the Eastern House of Assembly. The Governor had the power to propose names for election as Ministers, and if accepted, would appoint them. This structure was designed to balance power and provide representation.
The Regional Executive Councils had varying compositions. In the West, the Council consisted of the Lieutenant-Governor-President, 3 ex officio members, 2 other officials, 2 Regional Ministers elected by the House of Chiefs, and 7 Regional Ministers elected by the House of Assembly. In the East, the Council had the Lieutenant-Governor-President, 3 ex officio members, 2 other officials, and 9 Regional Ministers elected by the House of Assembly. The Lieutenant-Governor had the power to propose names for election as Regional Ministers.
The executive authority of Nigeria was vested in the Council of Ministers, which was advisory to the Governor. The Governor and Lieutenant-Governor had significant powers, including veto and reserved powers, as well as Her Majesty's power of disallowance. However, these provisions were virtually inoperative due to the emergence of a party system in Nigeria. The Macpherson Constitution marked a significant shift from British rule to indigenous administration in Nigeria.
The introduction of the Macpherson Constitution in 1950 was preceded by a period without strong political parties in Nigeria. However, shortly before the commencement of elections under the new constitution, two virile political parties emerged, each with extensive region-wide following and influence. A third party of strong regional standing also emerged after the elections. This sudden emergence of a party system had a significant impact on the governance structure.
The emergence of the party system led to a shift in power dynamics. The Governor and Lieutenant-Governor were deprived of the services and support of their erstwhile faithful collaborators, who were defeated at the elections or forced to team up with political parties. As a result, the Governor and Lieutenant-Governors had to substitute the advice of political leaders for their own discretion in exercising certain powers.
The Governor and Lieutenant-Governors were obliged to nominate names submitted to them by party leaders for ministerial posts and act in accordance with their advice in the distribution of portfolios. This marked a significant departure from the original provisions of the constitution, which had envisioned a more significant role for the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor. The party system had effectively taken control of the governance structure.
The Macpherson Constitution's premature demise in 1954 was attributed to the determined attempt by the Governor and his colleagues to enforce its provisions. The constitution's provisions relating to Ministers had been framed in the belief that a party system would not emerge in Nigeria until long after its introduction. However, the emergence of a strong party system led to its eventual collapse.
Key points
- The Macpherson Constitution marked a significant shift from British rule to indigenous administration in Nigeria.
- The emergence of a party system in Nigeria led to a shift in power dynamics, with party leaders gaining significant influence.
- The Governor and Lieutenant-Governor's powers were limited by the emergence of a party system, which forced them to act in accordance with the advice of political leaders.
