Essays in constitutional law of Nigeria
Date
1984
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Jos: Jos University Press Ltd
Abstract
Federal Structure of the Constitution of Nigeria; Separation of Powers Under the Constitution of Nigeria; Independence of Judiciary; Under the Constitution of Nigeria; Rule of Law Under the Constitution of Nigeria; Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy; Under the Constitution of Nigeria;
Description
The book of essay form on constitutional law of Nigeria provides an explanation of fundamental constitutional principles as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria, 1979. The author dealt with constitutional principles both from a jurisprudential point of view and from the functional aspect as they are practiced in running the government. The Constitution is a vast subject, but it has some very distinct principles. It is these principles that are the subject matter of this book.
These essays were written before the military takeover on December 31, 1983. Most of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1979, has since been suspended. The constitutional provisions dealt with here may not be strictly applicable in the present system of decrees and edicts, but the jurisprudential aspect of constitutional principles dealt with in the book will always be useful for understanding the workings of government. For example, the rule of law is a principle that no government can ignore because it is through the rule of law that governments establish social well-being for the society as a whole. Similarly, directive principles of state policy, whether written or unwritten, always form the basis of public policy of government. The independence of the judiciary is necessary to establish the rule of law irrespective of any type of government. The federal structure of Nigeria is still the same as before. The changeover to military rule, though the exigencies of time have brought changes in the power structure of the government. Similarly, the doctrine of separation of powers has been taken out of its doctrinaire mold to suit the needs of the working of the government.
Keywords
Essay on Nigeria constitution, 1979 Constitution, Constitution - interpretation