1. Examine any four negative impacts of colonial rule in Nigeria.
2. Discuss any four (4) features of Hausa pre-colonial administration in Nigeria.
3. Discuss any four factors that led to the development of nationalist struggle in Nigeria.
4. In relation to political development of Nigeria, discuss any four major features of Lyttleton constitution.
5. What, in your view, were the major causes of the Nigerian civil war?
6. Discuss any four major factors militating against the conduct of free and fair elections in Nigeria.
7. Discuss the role of Nigeria in the implementation of United Nations Organisation's policies.
Full Answers
### Question 1: Four Negative Impacts of Colonial Rule in Nigeria
1. **Political Dependency and Weak Institutions** — Colonial rule denied Nigerians the opportunity to develop their own indigenous political systems. The imposition of foreign governance structures created weak, artificial institutions that were not rooted in the people's culture, leading to poor governance after independence.
2. **Economic Exploitation** — The British extracted Nigeria's natural resources — groundnuts, palm oil, tin, coal, and later crude oil — primarily for the benefit of Britain. Nigeria was made a supplier of raw materials and a market for British goods, stunting industrial development and creating economic dependency.
3. **Artificial Boundary Creation** — The colonial boundaries drawn by Britain merged different ethnic nationalities, languages, and religions into one state without their consent. This created deep ethnic tensions, religious conflicts, and national identity crises that still plague Nigeria today.
4. **Destruction of Indigenous Culture** — Colonial rule suppressed African traditions, religions, and languages, replacing them with Western education, Christianity, and English. This created a cultural inferiority complex and eroded the values and social cohesion of Nigerian communities.
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### Question 2: Four Features of Hausa Pre-Colonial Administration in Nigeria
The Hausa pre-colonial administration was largely organized around the **Emirate system**, especially after the Fulani Jihad of 1804 led by Usman Dan Fodio.
1. **Monarchical/Theocratic Rule** — The Emir served as both the political and religious head of the emirate. Government was based on Islamic principles (Sharia), and the authority of the ruler was derived from Allah, making it a theocracy.
2. **Hierarchical Administrative Structure** — Below the Emir were various titled officials such as the **Waziri** (Prime Minister/Chief Adviser), **Galadima**, **Madawaki**, and **Alkali** (judge), each with defined roles in administering the emirate.
3. **Judicial System Based on Islamic Law** — The **Alkali courts** administered justice based on the Quran and Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia). The Emir served as the highest court of appeal in serious matters.
4. **Taxation System** — A well-organized taxation system existed, including **Zakat** (alms tax), **Jizya** (tax on non-Muslims), and **Kudin Kasa** (land tax). These revenues funded the administration and the military and were shared among officials according to rank.
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### Question 3: Four Factors That Led to the Development of Nationalist Struggle in Nigeria
Nationalism in Nigeria refers to the movement by Nigerians to end British colonial rule and achieve self-governance and independence.
1. **Western Education** — The introduction of Western education produced an elite class of educated Nigerians such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo. These individuals became aware of democratic rights and used their knowledge to challenge colonial rule through newspapers, political parties, and public campaigns.
2. **The Role of the Press** — Newspapers played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion against colonialism. Publications like the **West African Pilot** (founded by Azikiwe) and **Lagos Weekly Record** criticized British policies and awakened political consciousness among Nigerians.
3. **Influence of Pan-Africanism and Return of Diaspora Africans** — Ideas from Pan-Africanists like Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Du Bois, emphasizing African dignity and self-determination, inspired Nigerian nationalists. Nigerians who studied abroad returned with democratic ideas and determination to fight for independence.
4. **The Aftermath of World War II** — Nigerian soldiers who fought in WWII alongside the British returned home with the question: if we fought for freedom abroad, why are we not free at home? The war also weakened Britain economically, making it harder to maintain colonies, and the Atlantic Charter of 1941 endorsed the right of peoples to self-determination.
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### Question 4: Four Major Features of the Lyttleton Constitution (1954)
The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 (named after Oliver Lyttleton, British Secretary of State for the Colonies) was a landmark document in Nigeria's political development.
1. **Introduction of True Federalism** — The constitution formally established Nigeria as a **federation**, clearly dividing powers between the central government and the three regions (North, East, and West). Each region gained considerable autonomy over its affairs.
2. **Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists** — The constitution introduced an **Exclusive Legislative List** (matters handled only by the federal government) and a **Concurrent List** (matters handled by both federal and regional governments), defining the boundaries of legislative authority.
3. **Separate Regional Governments** — Each of the three regions (Northern, Eastern, and Western) was given its own **Governor, Premier, Executive Council, and House of Assembly**, allowing regional governments to operate independently in matters within their jurisdiction.
4. **Lagos as Federal Territory** — Lagos was separated from the Western Region and declared a **Federal Territory**, administered directly by the central government. This was controversial but was intended to give the federal government a neutral capital not dominated by any region.
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### Question 5: Major Causes of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)
The Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War) was fought between the Nigerian federal government and the secessionist Republic of Biafra.
1. **Ethnic and Regional Tensions** — Nigeria's three major ethnic groups — Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo — had deep-seated mistrust and rivalries. Political competition along ethnic lines created a highly polarized environment that made national unity fragile.
2. **The Military Coups of 1966** — The January 1966 coup, led largely by Igbo officers, killed Northern and Western leaders including Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Akintola. The Northern-dominated counter-coup of July 1966 killed Igbo officers including General Aguiyi-Ironsi. These coups inflamed ethnic hatred and mutual suspicion.
3. **The Massacre of Igbos in the North (1966)** — Following the counter-coup, thousands of Igbo people living in the North were massacred in ethnic pogroms. This caused a mass exodus of Igbos back to the Eastern Region and convinced Igbo leaders that they could no longer be safe within Nigeria.
4. **The Aburi Accord Failure (1967)** — Efforts at reconciliation at Aburi, Ghana, produced an agreement for a loose confederation, but the federal government under General Gowon failed to fully implement it. This breakdown of negotiations pushed Eastern Region leader Colonel Ojukwu to declare the independent Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967, triggering the war.
5. **Oil Resources** — The discovery of oil in the Eastern Region gave it economic confidence to pursue secession. The federal government was equally determined not to lose control of the oil-rich Niger Delta, making the conflict a resource war as well.
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### Question 6: Four Major Factors Militating Against Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria
1. **Electoral Violence and Intimidation** — Political thugs, often sponsored by politicians, are used to intimidate voters, snatch ballot boxes, and disrupt elections in areas perceived to be opposition strongholds. This creates fear and suppresses voter turnout, distorting election outcomes.
2. **Corruption and Vote Buying** — Politicians openly bribe voters with money, food, and gifts in exchange for votes. Electoral officials are also bribed to manipulate results, compromising the integrity of the electoral process and undermining the principle of free choice.
3. **Manipulation of the Electoral Commission** — INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) has often been accused of lacking full independence. Government interference in the appointment of electoral officers and the management of elections has led to rigging and announcement of fraudulent results.
4. **Poverty and Illiteracy** — A large proportion of Nigerian voters are poor and uneducated, making them vulnerable to manipulation by politicians who exploit their economic desperation. Illiteracy also makes it difficult for voters to fully understand electoral processes and their rights.
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### Question 7: Nigeria's Role in the Implementation of United Nations Organisation's Policies
Nigeria, as a founding and active member of the United Nations (UN), has played significant roles in implementing UN policies across several areas:
1. **Peacekeeping Operations** — Nigeria has been one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. Nigerian soldiers have served in conflict zones such as **Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Congo, and Lebanon**, helping to restore peace and protect civilians in line with UN mandates.
2. **Promotion of Human Rights** — Nigeria has aligned its domestic policies with UN human rights frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Nigeria participates in the UN Human Rights Council and has incorporated human rights provisions in its 1999 Constitution.
3. **Support for Decolonization** — During the era of African independence, Nigeria was a vocal advocate in the UN for the decolonization of African and Asian nations, supporting UN resolutions calling for an end to colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.
4. **Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)** — Nigeria has committed to the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopting national policies aimed at reducing poverty, improving healthcare, education, and achieving gender equality in alignment with the 17 SDGs.
5. **Financial Contributions** — Nigeria contributes financially to the UN budget and various UN agencies such as **UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, and UNDP**, demonstrating commitment to multilateral cooperation and the implementation of UN programs in areas of health, education, and development.