Is Nigeria Better Served with Parliamentary Governance?

After Nigeria got independence in 1960, the country practised a parliamentary form of government until 1966. The head of government was Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, whose party was the major partner in the largest coalition in the Federal House of Representatives. The head of state was President Nnamdi Azikiwe, whose party was the junior coalition member. Similar to Togo before 1963, the president was formally elected after being nominated by parliament. As prime minister, Balewa was responsible for government policy and oversaw the appointment of key government officials and cabinet. He was also responsible for responding on behalf of the government in parliament. Azikiwe’s mostly ceremonial role was largely to represent the country abroad and to formally endorse policies put forward by the cabinet.