Why did the nationalists criticize post 1945 Constitutions in British West African Colonies?
Why did the nationalists criticize post 1945 Constitutions in British West African Colonies?
Explanation
(i) They were opposed to the continuing inclusion of nominated members into the legislature; for instance in the 1951 Macpherson Constitution in Nigeria and Allan Sums of 1946 in Gold Coast.
(ii) Inclusion of traditional rulers in the legislature was seen as not allowing for greater participation of educated elites.
(iii) The extension of limited or qualified franchise.
(iv) The executive council was not responsible to the legislature.
(v) There were few elected members in the executive Council.
(vi) There was the continuing retention of the veto and reserved powers of the colonial governor.
(vii) Inadequate consultation with the people by the colonial administrators before and the adoption of some of the constitutions.