The Senate has rejected the prayers in a motion that seeks to rename the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in honor of late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the former head of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), who oversaw the presidential election on June 12, 1993.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe responsored the motion on Thursday after lawmakers voted against it on Wednesday.
In recognition of his contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development, Abaribe demanded that Nwosu receive posthumous national honors.
However, the proposal again sparked a contentious discussion between lawmakers who were deeply divided over Prof. Nwosu’s legacy.
Senator Osita Ngwu acknowledged that his access to the results was constrained by the military regime he operated under. He claimed that “there was no way he would have made the announcement with a gun in his head.” That doesn’t change the fact that some people view him as a hero.
Also read: Victor Umeh’s Rejecting Motion to Immortalize Humphrey Nwosu Is Very Undemocratic
Senator Austin Akobundu, however, argued that Nwosu’s contributions were most uncharitable and that he merited a place in Nigeria’s hall of honor.
On the other hand, several senators, including Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, vehemently opposed the notion, asking why the Senate should pay tribute to a candidate who didn’t release the results, insisting that “nothing should be named after him.”
According to Senator Cyril Fasuyi, history only rewards accomplishments and outcomes. I oppose naming INEC’s headquarters after him, he said, “as long as he did not announce the outcome, whether under duress or not.”
Additionally, Senator Sunday Karimi criticized Nwosu for igniting his views, while Senator Afolabi Salisu warned that immortalizing him would detract from the widely accepted victory of the June 12, 1993, annulled election. He tendered, “Any attempt to do anything after a one-minute silence is rubbishing Abiola’s legacy.”
Source: Channels TV
Leave a Reply