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question 7
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(a) (i) Why were the Courts of Equity set up?
(ii) Mention any three towns where the courts were set up.
(iii) Highlight any four advantages of the Courts of Equity.
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This was the most unpopular question and highly neglected. It was as if those who attempted it did so to satisfy the demands of the rubrics because the performance showed total lack of knowledge of the demands of the question. The candidates were expected to give the following answers:
(a) (i) the 'Courts of Equity' were set up in the mid 19th century to settle disputes between the Europeans and African traders or among the European traders/ This had become necessary because of cases
of mistrust by traders. The courts were made up of African and European representatives
and supervised by the British consul;
(ii) the courts were established at Bonny, New Calabar, Brass, Akassa, Opobo and Old Calabar.
(b) (i) they regulated payment of tolls to African chiefs and pilotage fees to African middlemen;
(ii) they helped to settle disputes on debts;
(iii) they promoted legitimate trade by providing peaceful conditions for trade;
(iv) they checked the dictatorial tendencies of some chiefs;
(v) they helped British consuls to extend British political influence over the Niger Delta;
(vi) the courts generated revenue for the British consuls through fines. |
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