prior to nigeria's independence, a constitutional conference in 1954 had adopted a regional political framework for the country, with all regions given a considerable amount of political freedom. the three regions then were composed of diverse cultural groups. the premiers and some prominent leaders of the regions later took on a policy of guiding their regions against political encroachment from other regional leaders. later on, this political environment influenced the balewa administration. his term in office was turbulent, with regional factionalism constantly threatening his government.