The new constitution of Nigeria, 1979: 'the Washington model'?

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Periodical article

Title:	The new constitution of Nigeria, 1979: 'the Washington model'?
Author:	Read, James S.
Year:	1979
Periodical:	Journal of African Law
Volume:	23
Issue:	2
Pages:	131-174
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	constitutions 1979
Abstract:	With the restoration of civilian rule in Nigeria on 1st October, 1979, a new constitutional structure appeared in Nigeria which can aptly be regarded as a version of 'the Washington model'. Though this appears as a striking and innovative departure among Commonwealth institutions with basic features of 'the Westminster model', yet the transition model is a logical, predictable one. The new Constitution inevitably reflects the actual form of government which developed under the departed military rulers, as well as in its essential outline their prescriptions for the structure of future governments: it thus offers a unique example of the impact of military government on a federal system. This article discusses the genesis of the new Constitution and gives a review of its provisions. Ref., appendix: Extracts from The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Updated in J.Afr.Law, 24 (1980), 2, p. 243-244.