[5] This diversity contributes to Nigeria being "one of the world's most deeply divided countries" with rampant political corruption.

These efforts include civilian and military rule, centrifugal and centralized federalism, presidential and parliamentary systems, and other political institutions.

It also created three regional Houses of Assembly to consider local questions and advise the lieutenant governors.

The Richards Constitution recognized the country's diversity by introducing the federal principle with its regional authority.

Although realistic in its assessment of the situation in Nigeria, the Richards Constitution intensified regionalism instead of encouraging political unification.

[11] The MacPherson Constitution provided for regional autonomy and federal union, creating a central government with a Council of Ministers.

However, the regional governments had broad legislative powers that could not be overridden by the newly established 185-seat federal House of Representatives.

[16] To avoid the pitfalls of the First Nigerian Republic, the 1979 constitution mandated political parties which were required to register in at least two-thirds of the states.

[25][2] Nigeria's legislative powers are vested in a National Assembly with two chambers: a Senate and a House of Representatives.

[26] The constitution gives the National Assembly the power to make laws for "peace, order and good government of the Federation".

[2][27] It also defines a person's right to a timely and fair trial if arrested and the presumption of innocence.