The motion for the attaintment of self-government for Nigeria was tabled in

Analyze the question: It asks when the motion for self-government for Nigeria was tabled. This is a Nigerian constitutional history question.

Explain the concept: In the early 1950s, Nigerian nationalists pushed for self-government. The key event happened in the Federal House of Representatives in Lagos in March 1953.

Step-by-step:

1. Chief Anthony Enahoro of the Action Group (AG) moved a motion on 31 March 1953. It called for Nigeria's self-government in 1956.
2. The Northern People's Congress (NPC) members, led by Sir Ahmadu Bello, objected. They wanted the wording changed to "as soon as practicable." This was because the North felt it was not yet ready, and it feared domination by the more educated South.
3. When the motion was not accepted, the AG and NCNC members walked out. Northern leaders were then jeered and insulted in Lagos by crowds.
4. Northern leaders returned to the North, and this led to the Kano riots of May 1953. It also led to the 1953 constitutional crisis, which in turn led to the 1954 Lyttelton Constitution (federalism).

Be careful with the distractors:

• 1956 was the date proposed for self-government in the motion, not the year it was tabled. This is the usual trap.
• 1958 was the London Constitutional Conference, which set 1960 as the independence date. The Eastern and Western Regions got self-government in 1957, and the Northern Region in 1959.
• 1959 was the federal elections.
• 1960 was independence.

Correct answer: A (1953)

Tip: Remember "Enahoro 1953, motion for 1956." The motion was tabled in 1953 and asked for self-government in 1956. Whenever you see "Enahoro motion," think 1953 and the Kano riots.