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Difficulty: HardThe Macpherson Constitution of 1951

Arrange the following key historical events associated with the operation and political crisis of the Macpherson Constitution of 1951 in chronological order from earliest to latest:

  1. 1Promulgation and formal implementation of the Macpherson Constitution establishing regional assemblies and a central Council of Ministers.
  2. 2Introduction of the self-government in 1956 motion by Chief Anthony Enahoro in the House of Representatives.
  3. 3Resignation of Western Action Group ministers from the central Council of Ministers.
  4. 4Eruption of the violent Kano Riots following political campaigning by Southern delegates in the North.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence of events is: Promulgation of the Macpherson Constitution (1951) → Introduction of the self-government motion (March 1953) → Resignation of Action Group ministers (March 1953) → Eruption of the Kano Riots (May 1953).
The Macpherson Constitution was enacted in 1951. In March 1953, Chief Anthony Enahoro moved the motion demanding self-government for Nigeria by 1956. When the colonial government required ministers to maintain cabinet solidarity and refrain from supporting the motion, Western Action Group ministers resigned in late March 1953. Tensions escalated rapidly between Northern and Southern political factions, culminating in the Kano Riots in May 1953, which ultimately demonstrated the unworkability of the Macpherson Constitution and led to the 1953/1954 constitutional conferences.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the commencement date of the Macpherson Constitution
The Macpherson Constitution came into force in 1951.
Establishing the constitutional baseline date is the first step in chronological ordering.
2
Determine the date of the parliamentary self-government motion
Chief Anthony Enahoro moved the motion for self-government in March 1953.
This legislative action triggered the crisis that destabilized the constitution.
3
Trace the immediate executive reaction to the motion
Western Action Group ministers resigned in late March 1953.
The resignation followed the refusal of AG members to adhere to cabinet neutrality on the self-government motion.
4
Identify the external communal fallout of the legislative deadlock
The Kano Riots erupted in May 1953.
The riots were provoked by inter-regional tension following the walkout of Northern delegates and subsequent campaign tours by Southern politicians.

Key Concept

Political crises and collapse of the Macpherson Constitution
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Topics

The Macpherson Constitution of 1951