A remarkable feature of the Republican Constitution was the

Analyzing the question

The question asks about a remarkable (notable) feature of Nigeria's Republican Constitution of 1963. This constitution took effect on 1 October 1963, when Nigeria changed from a dominion to a republic.

The concept

Under the 1960 Independence Constitution, Nigeria was a constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II was the Head of State, represented locally by the Governor-General (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe). The Privy Council in London was the final court of appeal.

The 1963 Republican Constitution changed this:

• The Queen ceased to be Head of State.
• The Governor-General was replaced by a President, who was a ceremonial Head of State (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President).
• The Prime Minister (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa) remained Head of Government.
• The Supreme Court became the final court of appeal, replacing the Privy Council.
• The Regions (Northern, Eastern, Western, and later Mid-Western) remained, and Nigeria stayed in the Commonwealth.

Checking each option

• A. The president was the head of government. Wrong. The President was only Head of State and largely ceremonial. The Prime Minister was Head of Government.
• B. The prime minister also performs ceremonial functions. Wrong. Ceremonial duties went to the President, not the Prime Minister.
• C. Privy Court was the final court of arbiter. Wrong. The Privy Council was abolished as the final court of appeal. The Supreme Court took over.
• D. The queen ceased to be the Head of State. Correct. This was the defining change that made Nigeria a republic.

Answer: D

Exam tip: Remember the phrase "Republic = no Queen." Whenever you see a question on the 1963 Constitution, think of the three major changes: the Queen is removed, a President becomes Head of State, and the Supreme Court becomes the final court of appeal. Also remember that the Prime Minister stays as Head of Government, because the system was still parliamentary.