Which of the following made the colonial Government a " Virtual Dictator"?

Analyze the question The phrase "virtual dictator" describes a colonial Governor who held almost unlimited power. We need to find which feature of colonial administration gave him that kind of control.

Explain the concept Under colonial rule in Nigeria (for example, under the Clifford, Richards and Macpherson constitutions), the Governor was the head of the colonial government. Even when Legislative and Executive Councils existed, the Governor kept special powers over them:

• Legislative Council: a law-making body, but the Governor presided over it and appointed or influenced many of its members. It was not the source of his dictatorial power.
• Executive Council: an advisory body to the Governor. He was not bound to follow its advice.
• Appointment of departmental heads: this was an administrative function. It gave him influence but did not make him a dictator.
• Reserved veto powers: the Governor could reject any bill passed by the Legislative Council. He could also enact laws on his own authority, which are the "reserved powers", especially when he considered a matter to be in the interest of the colony or of public order.

Step-by-step solution

1. A dictator is someone who can make or block laws without being checked.
2. The Governor could veto any legislation and could also pass laws by himself.
3. The councils could advise him or debate, but they could not override him.
4. So the power that made him a "virtual dictator" was the reserved veto power.

Answer: D, Reserved veto powers.

Exam tip: When you see "dictator" or "absolute power" in a colonial government question, think of veto and reserved powers. Councils only advised or debated, but the veto let the Governor have the final say.