The 1979 Nigerian Constitution was the supreme law of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983, and it was the successor to the 1963 and 1979 constitutions. It was a federal constitution that defined the structure and powers of the federal government, the states, and local governments in Nigeria.
The constitution was a product of a constituent assembly composed of representatives of various groups in Nigeria, including political parties, professional bodies, and traditional rulers. It provided for a federal system of government with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. It also established a bicameral legislature, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
The 1979 constitution provided for the protection of fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression, association, and religion. It also established an independent judiciary to interpret and enforce the constitution, and it provided for the establishment of a federal character commission to ensure that appointments to public offices reflect the ethnic diversity of Nigeria.
The 1979 Nigerian Constitution was a significant milestone in the country’s political history, as it marked the beginning of the Second Republic, which was characterized by increased political participation and freedom. However, it was short-lived as the military overthrew the democratically elected government in December 1983. The constitution was subsequently suspended, and a new one was promulgated in 1989.