By Paul Nwosu
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, has strongly criticized the Senate’s rejection of a motion to immortalize the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), who played a pivotal role 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 Nwosu’s contributions to electoral integrity, especially his leadership during the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election. That election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was controversially annulled, marking a significant moment in the nation’s democratic evolution.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, acknowledged that the motion was contentious. He pointed out that public opinion remained divided on Nwosu’s legacy, particularly regarding his role in the annulled election. When the motion was put to a voice vote, the opposition was louder, leading to its rejection.
Reacting to the decision during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Senator Umeh expressed disappointment, describing the Senate’s stance as unfair and undemocratic.
“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 argued that the motion was timely, given that Nwosu’s burial was just days away. According to him, discussions on Nwosu’s contributions to Nigeria’s electoral system should not have been stifled.
“Shutting down the motion the way it was done this morning is very undemocratic,” he stated, emphasizing that the Senate leadership should have allowed open debate rather than outrightly dismissing the proposal.
Umeh further stressed that legislative motions on national figures, even those with mixed public opinions, are often debated in the Senate. The refusal to extend the same courtesy to Nwosu, he argued, was unjust.
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, as NEC Chairman, conducted the 1993 presidential election that declared late Chief MKO Abiola as the winner. Though the election was annulled, it remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history. Despite his role in advancing electoral transparency, Nwosu has not received official national recognition for his contributions.
With his burial set for Friday, calls for his immortalization continue to resonate, even as the Senate’s rejection of the motion fuels debate on how Nigeria remembers its democratic pioneers.
