The dichotomy which began in 1953 between the North and South in Nigeria was caused by the disagreement over the

Analyze the question: It asks what caused the North-South split that began in 1953. The key event is the 1953 motion in the House of Representatives for self-government in 1956.

Explain the concept: In March 1953, Chief Anthony Enahoro of the Action Group (AG) moved a motion in the House of Representatives in Lagos. It called for Nigeria's self-government in 1956.

Step by step:

1. Northern reaction: The Northern People's Congress (NPC) leaders, led by Sir Ahmadu Bello, felt the North was not ready. They worried that the better-educated South would dominate. They proposed an amendment: "as soon as practicable."
2. Southern reaction: The AG and NCNC insisted on 1956. When the NPC's amendment was rejected, the Northern members walked out.
3. Aftermath: Northern delegates were insulted by crowds in Lagos. This led to the Kano riots of May 1953, and the divide deepened.

Checking the options:

• A. Census: the controversial censuses came in 1962-63, not 1953.
• B. Colonial policies: they contributed to differences over time, but they were not the specific disagreement of 1953.
• C. Kano riots: these were a result of the disagreement, not its cause.
• D. State creation: this was not the 1953 issue.
• E. Motion for independence: this was the trigger. The Enahoro motion for self-government in 1956 caused the disagreement. The word "his" in the option is a typo for "its" independence.

Answer: E

Tip: Remember the sequence Enahoro motion (March 1953) → Northern walkout → Kano riots (May 1953). If a question asks about the cause, pick the motion. If it asks about the effect, pick the riots.