Correct Option: C. Departure from the parliamentary to the presidential system of government
Detailed Explanation:
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Understanding the 1979 Constitution: The 1979 Constitution of Nigeria marked a significant shift in the country's governance structure. It was the first constitution to establish a presidential system of government in Nigeria, moving away from the parliamentary system that had been in place since independence in 1960.
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Presidential vs. Parliamentary System:
- Parliamentary System: In a parliamentary system, the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is directly accountable to it. The Prime Minister is typically the head of government and is a member of the parliament.
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Presidential System: In contrast, a presidential system features a clear separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The President is elected independently of the legislature and serves as both the head of state and the head of government.
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Significance of the Shift: The transition to a presidential system in the 1979 Constitution was significant for several reasons:
- Stability: The framers of the 1979 Constitution believed that a presidential system would provide greater political stability and reduce the likelihood of frequent changes in government, which had been a problem in the parliamentary system.
- Checks and Balances: The separation of powers inherent in a presidential system allows for checks and balances, which can help prevent the abuse of power by any one branch of government.
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Direct Election: The President is elected directly by the people, which can enhance democratic legitimacy and accountability.
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Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- A. Introduction of federal structure: Nigeria was already a federal state before the 1979 Constitution. The federal structure was established in the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution and continued through subsequent constitutions. Therefore, this option does not represent a distinguishing feature of the 1979 Constitution.
- B. Introduction of unicameralism into Nigeria: The 1979 Constitution actually established a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Unicameralism refers to a single legislative chamber, which was not the case in Nigeria at that time.
- D. Preservation and entrenchment of republicanism: While the 1979 Constitution did maintain a republican form of government, this was not a new feature. Republicanism had been a part of Nigeria's political framework since independence. Thus, this option does not highlight a distinguishing change brought about by the 1979 Constitution.
Summary of Key Points:
- The 1979 Constitution marked Nigeria's shift from a parliamentary to a presidential system of government.
- This change aimed to enhance political stability and establish a clear separation of powers.
- The other options either misrepresent the constitutional changes or refer to features that were already established prior to 1979.
Revision Summary:
- The 1979 Constitution introduced a presidential system, marking a significant shift in governance.
- It established a clear separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
- Nigeria's federal structure and republicanism were already in place before 1979, making those options incorrect.
- Understanding the differences between parliamentary and presidential systems is crucial for grasping the significance of the 1979 Constitution.