THE CONCEPT OF INDIRECT RULE; ITS ESSENTIAL FEATURES, MERITS AND DEMERITS IN THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM.

Indirect rule may be defined as a British system of ruling her colonies with use of local chiefs, or appointed intermediates and traditional customs and laws. The British Officials merely supervised the administration, Luggard described indirect rule as a “child of necessary” and he was referred to as the “father of the indirect rule”.

ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF INDIRECT RULE

1. It used existing system of administration.
2.  It recognized the status of traditional rulers.
3. The traditional rulers serves as pivot of the system.
4. Traditional laws and customs were used.
5. It was supervised by British Officials.
6. British officials did not exert their influence directly to the people.
7. It was not expensive.

REASONS FOR INDIRECT RULE

1. Lack of personnel.
2. Inadequate fund.
3. The success of the system in other countries e.g. India, Uganda, etc.
4. To preserve the existing traditions and customs.
5. To involve the traditional rulers.
6.  Britain’s unwillingness to be involved financially.
7. It is a very cheap method of administration.
8. Favourable political atmosphere in Nigeria.
9. Language difficulties.
10. The vast area involved.
11. Existing organized tax system.
12. Poor transport and communication system.

  MERITS OF INDIRECT RULE

1. It was less expensive.
2. It made use of the existing traditions and culture.
3. It taught the traditions and culture.
4. It modernized local institution.
5. It increases the spirit of nationalism.
6. The system discourage human sacrifice and the killing of twins that that were hitherto going on, especially in Calabar.

DEMERIT OF INDIRECT RULE

1. The traditional rulers were made to be autocratic as a result of powers vested on them.
2. The system alienated the educated elites.
3. The traditional rulers were looked down upon, as puppets.
4. The powers were concentrated in the hands of few traditional rulers.
5. The appointment of warrant chief in eastern Nigeria led to social, political and economic upheaval e.g. Aba riot.
6. Check and balance were not guaranteed.
7. It encourage tribalism and sectionalism.

N/B: The indirect rule system was successful in Northern part of the country but it was not completely successful in the western region because of some opposition it met in the eastern Nigeria.