Question 7
(a) Mention any three British Governors who served in Nigeria between 1900 and 1960.
(b) Highlight any four roles played by local chiefs in the Indirect Rule system.
Observation
This was a popular question and well answered by the candidates. Most candidates who answered this question understood its demand but many of them only listed the relevant points and score low marks. The following points were expected to be mentioned by candidates to get good marks:
(a) (i) Sir Fredrick Lugard;
(ii) Sir Hugh Clifford;
(iii) Sir Graeme Thompson;
(iv) Sir Donald Cameron;
(v) Sir Bernard Bourdillon;
(vi) Sir Arthur Richards;
(vii) Sir John Stuart;
(viii) Sir James Wilson Robertson;
(ix) Sir John Macpherson.
(b) (i) The local chiefs served as a vital link between the colonial government and their people.
(ii) They were responsible for the collection of taxes imposed by the colonial government on their people.
(iii) The chiefs had to implement rules and regulations from the colonial, government through the District Commissioners.
(iv) Minor criminal and civil cases were handled by the chief’s court.
(v) The chiefs were in charge of the supervision, execution and maintenance of projects in their areas such as roads, markets and other public buildings.
(vi) They maintained their local police force.
(vii) They maintained local prisons where criminals were kept.
(viii) Some chiefs represented the Council of Chiefs in the Legislative Council.