Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central in the Senate, has expressed disappointment over the rejection of a motion aimed at immortalizing the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The motion, raised on Wednesday by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and co-sponsored by members of the minority caucus, particularly from the South-East, sought to recognize Prof. Nwosu’s pivotal role in defending Nigeria’s democratic electoral process during the 1993 presidential election—widely regarded as one of the country’s most credible elections.
However, the motion was rejected when it was put to a voice vote, with the ‘nays’ prevailing. Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, acknowledged the contentious nature of the proposal, citing divided public opinion on Prof. Nwosu’s role in the annulled June 12, 1993 election.
Umeh Condemns Senate’s Decision
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today shortly after the Senate session, Senator Umeh strongly condemned the rejection, describing it as undemocratic and unfair to the late electoral chief.
“It is a question of people not being fair to a man who has done so well. Instead of giving him accolades, we want to be uncharitable to him even in death,” Umeh lamented.
He further argued that the motion was timely, considering that Prof. Nwosu’s burial was just two days away. According to him, the Senate should have at least debated the motion, rather than shutting it down outrightly.
“Shutting down the motion the way it was done this morning is very undemocratic,” Umeh added.
Call for Recognition of Nwosu’s Legacy
Senator Umeh maintained that Prof. Nwosu’s contributions to Nigeria’s electoral system deserved national recognition, regardless of the controversies surrounding the annulled election.
As the former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu oversaw the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was won by the late MKO Abiola. The election, despite its annulment, remains one of Nigeria’s most transparent and credible polls, with many historians viewing Nwosu as a symbol of integrity in electoral management.
A Missed Opportunity for National Unity?
Prof. Nwosu’s role in Nigeria’s democratic journey continues to spark debates, but many believe that recognizing his legacy would have been a step towards national reconciliation. With the Senate’s decision to reject the motion, questions remain about how Nigeria chooses to honor those who have shaped its democratic history.
For now, Senator Umeh and others pushing for Nwosu’s recognition remain undeterred, vowing to continue advocating for his immortalization in Nigeria’s democratic records.
