1989 Presidential Constitution and the 1999 Constitution

JSS 2 Civic Education

Topic: 1989 Presidential Constitution and the 1999 Constitution

The 1989 constitution was carried out by three bodies set up by Babangida’s administration.

1. The constitution review committee was to review all past constitution and make recommendations
2. The constituent assembly for almost a whole year deliberated on the draft constitution and made recommendations to the armed forces ruling council. This became part of the 1989 constitution.
3. The political bureau organized a debate on the future of Nigerian political system.

Features of the 1989 constitution

1. The federal system principle still continues
2. There is fundamental right for every individual
3. The composition of the legislature, the house of senate and house of representative remains
4. Those who are qualified to be called citizens

The 1999 presidential constitution

In December 1998 Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar set up the Justice Niki Tobi led constitution debate coordinating committee.

The committee recommended the 1979 constitution with amendments as preferable to 1995 constitution

Features of the 1999 constitution

1. The presidential system was retained
2. There was 778 local governments throughout the nation
3. The judiciary became independent in operation
4. There is opportunity for dual citizenship.
5. Democratic rule was restored to Nigeria
6. Fundamental human right became more recognized

Test and Exercise

1. The number of local government was———– in the 1999 constitution (a) 700 (b) 590 (c) 778 (d) 704. ans(c)
2. The 1999 constitution is regarded as (a) colonial constitution (b) pre- independence constitution (c) independence constitution (d) post independence constitution,. ans (d)
3. The 1989 constitution was set up by (a) Goodluck Jonathan (b) Babatunde Fashola (c) Ibrahim Babangida (d) all of the above. ans(c)
4. All of these are features of the 1999 constitution except (a)restoration of democratic rule (b) there is opportunity for dual citizenship (c) The voting age was reduced to 16 (d) all of the above. ans(c)
5. The 1989 constitution is not part of the post independence constitution. True/ false. ans(false).