The granting of internal authority to the regions came under which constitution?

Analyze the question: The question asks which Nigerian constitution gave the regions internal authority, meaning real powers of self-government in regional matters. This is about Nigeria's constitutional development.

Review the constitutions:

• Clifford Constitution (1922): Introduced the elective principle for the first time, with elected members from Lagos and Calabar. It did not create regions with internal authority.
• Richards Constitution (1946): Introduced regional Houses of Assembly, but only as advisory bodies. It also divided the country into three regions (North, West, East). The regions had no real legislative or executive power.
• Macpherson Constitution (1951): Gave the regions greater legislative power and introduced a quasi-federal structure. Regional legislatures could make laws on certain matters, but the central government still held overriding authority.
• Lyttelton Constitution (1954): Made Nigeria a full federation. It gave the regions internal self-government (real autonomy over their own affairs), created a Federal Supreme Court and made Lagos federal territory. Regional premiers had real power, and residual powers went to the regions. The Western and Eastern Regions attained self-government in 1957, and the Northern Region in 1959.

Solution: Granting regions internal authority and autonomy is the hallmark of the Lyttelton Constitution of 1954, which established true federalism. This matches option A, which is spelled "Littleton" in the question.

Answer: A. Littleton (Lyttelton) Constitution

Tip: Remember the sequence C-R-M-L (1922, 1946, 1951, 1954):

• Clifford: Came with elections
• Richards: Regions created
• Macpherson: More participation and consultation
• Lyttelton: Leap to federalism and regional autonomy

Whenever you see "federalism" or "regional autonomy" in a question, think Lyttelton.