By Abbanobi-Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate has come under intense criticism for rejecting a motion to immortalize Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). Nwosu conducted the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
Dr. Ene Wannaji James, proprietor of Starlight Education Centre, Mandalla, Niger State has lamented the poor treatment meted out to Nwosu, describing it as a reflection of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. In a press statement, Wannaji expressed regret that Nwosu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development have been largely forgotten.
The Senate’s rejection of the motion, sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has sparked outrage. Abaribe had argued that Nwosu deserves the honour for conducting the fairest and freest election in Nigeria’s history.
Despite the Senate’s rejection, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has reportedly agreed that Nwosu deserves the honour. The South East Senators Caucus (SESC) was said to have met with Tinubu to press for Nwosu’s recognition.
Ene Wannaji’s critique has sparked a wider conversation about Nigeria’s treatment of its heroes. “Humphrey, son of Nwosu, have you been used or have you not been used and dumped? You may have laboured in a thankless field, fetched water with a basket but history lives…bye!” he wrote.
The controversy has highlighted the need for Nigeria to recognize and celebrate its democratic heroes. As the debate continues, many are left wondering what this decision means for Nigeria’s future and its commitment to honouring its democratic heroes.
