Introduction to the Clifford Constitution of 1922 .
The Clifford Constitution of 1922 abolished the Nigerian Council of Lord Lugard (1914) and established a new Southern Protectorate legislative council.
There were 46 people on the Clifford legislative council. Out of the 46 members, 27 were officials, while the remaining 19 were unofficial members. Ten of the 19 unofficial members were Nigerians, and four of the ten unofficial Nigerian members were elected, including one from Calabar and three from Lagos. The Governor appointed the remaining six (6).The council did not include the Northern protectorate. By proclamation, the governor continued to rule the North.
Clifford’s 1922 Constitution First Use of the Elective Principle in Nigeria The Clifford constitution of 1922 established the elective principle. However, only male adults over the age of 18 with a gross annual income of at least £100 were eligible for the elective principle.
Nigerian political parties were also established as a result of the Clifford constitution of 1922.
Herbert Macaulay established the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) and the West African Pilot newspaper in 1923, making them the first political parties in Nigeria. Compared to the constitution of 1914, the Clifford constitution allowed for more participation and representation in the government.
The Clifford Constitution of 1922’s main features include the Elective principle, which allows for the selection of an individual for the Legislative Council. Note that only individuals who earn at least £100 per year are eligible to vote and be elected. In Nigeria, NCBWA fought for the granting of the elective principle.
All colonial governors were required to report to the British cabinet minister known as the Secretary of State for the colonies.
All-European membership made up the Executive Council. There was no representation from Nigeria, or Nigerians, in the group that made decisions.
There are 46 members of the Legislative Council, of which 27 are official and 19 are unofficial.
The governor issued proclamations that governed the North.
Political parties, like Herbert Macaulay’s NNDP, are formed.
Newspapers like The West African Pilot and Lagos Daily News were founded.
Advantages or Merits of the Elective Principle of the Clifford Constitution.
1.The Clifford Constitution introduced the elective principle to Nigeria, paving the way for elective representation of Nigerians in the Legislative Council.
2.Activities for Nigerians in Politics The Clifford constitution made it possible for Nigerians to form political parties to increase their participation in the government. For instance, Herbert Macaulay’s Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
3.New Legislative Council: A new legislative council was established by the constitution. It has 46 members, 27 of whom are official and 19 are unofficial.
4.Nationalism: The constitution encouraged nationalism among Nigerians.
5.Establishment of Newspapers: Newspapers were set up to encourage more political activities in Nigeria.
Negative aspects or disadvantages
1. Sectionalism: Sectionalism was introduced into Nigeria by the Clifford Constitution of 1922, which was intended solely for the Southern protectorate. Additionally, excluding the North, the Legislative Council was established for the south.
2. Europeans dominated the Legislative Council.
3. Partial representation: The Clifford Constitution of 1922 established the elective principle, which only applies to the legislative council. There is no voting for the executive council.
4. Imposition: The populace asserted that they were forced to adopt the constitution.
5. When issues were being discussed in the legislative and executive council, the Governor-General had the authority to veto them.
6.Principle of partial elective: only Nigerians with resident status and a gross annual income of £100, which was a significant sum at the time, are eligible.