SIERRA LEONE FROM 1900 – MILITARY, GOVERNMENT AND CONSTITUTION

The British Colonized Sierra Leone like other West Africa countries but in difference forms. In Sierra Leone, the British settlement was around free town that serves as a home for slaves set free on high seas Sierra Leone Constitutional development was identified as 6 period of colonial Administration.

1.      The period of colonial administration

2.      The period of representation government

3.      The period of internal self-government

4.      The period of complete independence

5.      The period of military rule

6.      Re -introduction of Civilian administration

After all the procedures of the British Government in colonizing Africans. Some of the patriotic leaders, stands as a tool for achieving political independence in their various state.  In Sierra Leone, Milton A.S Margi was given the title of Chief Minister in 1954 as the leader of the majority party this signifies the inclusion of Africans in the decision making of the colonial government.

            In 1955 the Chief Minister required political parties government bodies and individual to submit proposal for constitutional reforms in October 1956 the constitution was accepted. Delegates to London in 1957 for conference brought above 1958 constitution for self government that lead the Chief minister to become the premier.

The Sierra Leone independence was the contribution of both the British and Sierra Leone leaders at London conference from April, 20^th to may 4^th 1960 the outcome was the independence constitution of 1961 and the Sierra Leone got her independence in April 27 1961 the Late Milton became the Prime Minister. This lead to parliamentary government.

On March 23^rd 1967 a counter coup de etal was staged after the general election when the opposition party won an election. (APC) All Peoples Party, which was the ruling party.

RE-INTRODUCTION OF CIVILIAN GOVERNMENT.

National reformation Council was set-up to investigate the conduct of general election won by opposition party. The commission was head by Mr. Dove Edwin. They recommended in 1968 that the opposition party won the election and should form the government and the NRC. Was not ready to abide by the report, this lead to another coup d’ etal 1968 power was given to APC.

Sierra Leone became a Republican state in April 1971 no parliament, no queen, no appeal to the Privy Council in London. The supreme court of Sierra Leone became the final court Dr. Siaka Stevens became that first president. Siaka was in house arrest as the leader of opposition.