One major achievement of the Clifford constitution was_________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about a major achievement of the Clifford Constitution of 1922 in Nigeria's constitutional history.

Step 2: Explain the concept The Clifford Constitution (1922) was named after Sir Hugh Clifford, the Governor-General of Nigeria. Its key features were:

• It created a Legislative Council for the Colony of Lagos and the Southern Provinces.
• The Northern Provinces were excluded. The Governor continued to legislate for the North by proclamation.
• It introduced the elective principle for the first time in Nigeria: 4 elected members (3 from Lagos and 1 from Calabar).
• Voting was limited to adult males with an annual income of at least £100.
• It led to the formation of the first political parties, such as the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) founded by Herbert Macaulay in 1923.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Creating a Northern majority in the legislative council. Wrong. The North was not represented at all, and the Council had an official majority for the colonial government.
• B. Introducing indirect rule. Wrong. Indirect rule was Lord Lugard's system, developed in the North from about 1900 to 1914.
• C. Amalgamating the Northern and Southern provinces. Wrong. This was done in 1914 under Lugard.
• D. Establishing the legislative council. The Clifford Constitution created a new Legislative Council covering Lagos and the Southern Provinces. (Strictly, a Legislative Council existed earlier, from the 1914 Lugard period, but it was limited to Lagos and the South. The Nigerian Council of 1914 was only advisory.

Step 4: Answer The best answer is D. The Clifford Constitution established a Legislative Council with elected African members, which is its major achievement.

Exam tip: Match each constitution to its key feature:

• Clifford (1922): elective principle and Legislative Council for the South
• Richards (1946): regionalism and an extension of the Council to the North
• Macpherson (1951): more Nigerian participation and a ministerial system
• Lyttelton (1954): federalism

Remember "Clifford = Council + Choice" (elections), and you will not mix it up with Lugard's indirect rule and amalgamation.