A motion seeking to immortalize the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu by naming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters after him suffered a setback in the Senate on Thursday.
The motion, titled “Motion to Immortalise Prof. Humphrey Nwosu,” was sponsored by Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) and supported by senators from the South-East, along with Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta), and Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi), among others.
Key Proposals of the Motion
- Naming the INEC headquarters after Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.
- Posthumously awarding him a national honor.
- Sending official condolences to his family in recognition of his contributions.
- Observing a minute of silence in his honor.
Why the Motion Was Rejected
Despite support from some senators, when the motion was put to a voice vote, it was met with a resounding “Nay”, effectively dismissing the proposal.
The only part of the motion accepted was the minute of silence in honor of Prof. Nwosu, who passed away on October 20, 2024, at the age of 83 and was to be buried the next day.
Senators’ Arguments For and Against the Motion
Arguments in Favor
Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo) defended Nwosu’s legacy, arguing that his role in the 1993 elections and the establishment of June 12 as Democracy Day deserved recognition.
“Get a cross-section of Nigerians and ask them what they think about Prof. Nwosu, they will tell you he was a hero. For us to sit here and distort history is not fair for our democracy.”
Arguments Against
Some senators, however, challenged Nwosu’s legacy, arguing that he failed at a critical moment in history.
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) criticized Nwosu’s perceived lack of courage during the June 12, 1993, presidential election crisis, when the results were annulled by the military government.
“When it mattered most, Nwosu’s courage failed him.”
Similarly, Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun) distinguished between conducting an election, releasing results, and announcing results, arguing that Nwosu fell short when it was most crucial.
“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.”
Deputy Senate President’s Final Remarks
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended senators for their orderly debate on the issue.
“You did very well. You marshaled your points. You said your views. And no rancor at all. This is how debates should be in an august institution like the Senate.”
Despite acknowledging Nwosu’s role in the June 12 election, the Senate ultimately rejected the motion, reflecting the divided opinions on his legacy.
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