MOTION TO NAME INEC AFTER LATE HUMPHREY NWOSU SUFFERS SET BACK IN THE SENATE 30-03-25
By Sadiq Aminu A motion to name the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the late former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (now INEC), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, on Thursday, suffered set back in the Senate.
This followed the Senate‘s consideration of a motion titled, “Motion to Immortalise Prof. Humphrey Nwosu” sponsored by Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) during plenary.
Senator Abaribe in the motion said that the motion was supported by all senators from the South-east, as well as senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta ) and Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi) among others.
He had urged the Senate to immortalise the late Nwosu by naming the INEC after him and to posthumously honour him with a national award.
“Extend official condolences to his family in recognition of their sacrifice in supporting his work for a better Nigeria”.
“Mr President, I propose that we observe a minute of silence in honour of Prof. Nwosu, given that his burial is tomorrow (Friday)”.
Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, put the prayers to a voice vote but was greeted with a resounding ‘Nay’ by some of the senators.
The only prayer that was observed was a minute silence for the deceased Nwosu.
Earlier, in the motion, Senator Abaribe acknowledged that the late Prof. Nwosu was the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from 1989 to 1999.
“He was responsible for supervising the 1993 presidential election.
“We recognise that his courageous defense of the democratic electoral process during the 1993 elections led to the famous June 12 event, which ultimately confirmed MKO Abiola as the winner.
“His unwavering commitment to electoral integrity played a key role in establishing June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day.
“in addition , we note that Nwosu laid a strong foundation for the present-day Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Sadly, he passed away on Oct. 20, 2024, at the age of 83 and will be buried tomorrow (Friday) in his hometown in Anambra”.
Contributing, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) said: “The election that was conducted on June 12, Nigerians were really in pain because nobody was able to quote where Prof. Nwosu announced the results.
“We cannot distort history in this unit. We must be seen to have sentiments that reflect the average feeling of the average Nigerian.
“Prof. Nwosu, when it mattered most, his courage failed him”.
Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo) said: “Mr President, it is important that we will not sit here to distort history. We are legislators, and we are representing the people.
“Get a cross section of Nigerians and ask them what they think about Prof. Nwosu, they will tell you he was a hero.
“So for us to sit here now and begin to distort history is not fair for our democracy”.
Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun) said “This is one issue I have tried as much as possible to avoid.
“Mr President, many of my colleagues have pulled up here and said he conducted the free and fairest election.
“There are three different meanings and three different expectations that we should look at…
“Conducting elections, releasing results and announcing results. Yes, he conducted the election; yes, Prof. Nwosu released the result. But you and I know, releasing results is not the same thing as announcing results.
“He failed at the critical moment when he was supposed to save this democracy”.
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, commended his colleagues on the manner the debate was conducted
“You did very well. You martialed out your points. You said your views. And no rancour at all. And this is how debate should be in an August institution like the Senate.
“I subscribe to all these. I have my view. But I try not to be partial. I believe in June 12,” he said.