A Civil War Still Unresolved: Senate Rejects Honoring Prof. Humphrey Nwosu

Senate Denies Motion to Rename INEC Headquarters After Prof. Humphrey Nwosu

On Thursday, the Senate made a controversial decision, rejecting a motion that sought to rename the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in honor of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu. Nwosu, who once chaired the now-defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), played a pivotal role in the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. This decision has sparked heated debates across Nigeria, with many questioning the Senate's rationale behind this choice.

Naija News has reported that the motion was re-sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who proposed not only renaming the INEC headquarters but also conferring posthumous national honors on Nwosu. This motion was intended to recognize Nwosu's critical role in shaping Nigeria's democratic evolution. But, as it turns out, this proposal didn't go down as smoothly as some had hoped.

A Divisive Debate Erupts in the Senate

As the Senate deliberated on the motion, a passionate and deeply divisive debate unfolded. Lawmakers were sharply divided over whether Nwosu's contributions to Nigerian democracy deserved to be immortalized or dismissed. The room was electric with tension as senators voiced their strong opinions, each bringing their perspective to the table.

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Senator Osita Ngwu acknowledged that Nwosu had operated under a military regime, which severely restricted his ability to announce the results of the 1993 election. Yet, Ngwu insisted that this doesn't diminish Nwosu's heroism. "There was no way he would have announced the results with a gun to his head," Ngwu argued. "That doesn't change the fact that some of us see him as a hero," he emphasized, painting a vivid picture of the immense pressure Nwosu faced during those challenging times.

Opposition Voices Their Concerns

Not everyone in the Senate chamber shared Ngwu's sentiment. Some senators strongly opposed the motion, questioning the legacy of Nwosu due to his failure to announce the election results. Among them was Senator Austin Akobundu, who described the rejection of Nwosu's contributions as "most uncharitable." Akobundu argued that Nwosu deserved a place in Nigeria's hall of honor for his efforts, despite the circumstances.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, however, wasn't convinced. He dismissed the proposal outright, questioning why the Senate should honor someone who didn't fulfill his duty to announce the election results. "Nothing should be named after him," Ibrahim insisted, effectively rejecting the idea of immortalizing Nwosu's name in any form. His words carried weight, resonating with others who felt similarly about Nwosu's actions—or lack thereof.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi added another layer to the debate, arguing that history rewards results, not efforts. "As long as he did not announce the result, whether under duress or not, I am against naming INEC headquarters after him," Fasuyi stated firmly. His stance aligned with those who believed that Nwosu's failure to act disqualified him from such recognition.

Further Criticisms and Final Decision

Senator Sunday Karimi criticized Nwosu for failing to demonstrate the courage to act in the face of pressure. He believed that such inaction shouldn't be celebrated or rewarded. Meanwhile, Senator Afolabi Salisu warned that honoring Nwosu could undermine the legacy of MKO Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, election. "Any attempt to do anything beyond a one-minute silence is to rubbish Abiola's legacy," Salisu remarked, reinforcing the idea that honoring Nwosu might dishonor the memory of Abiola.

After a prolonged and intense deliberation, the majority of senators voted against the motion, rejecting both the renaming of the INEC headquarters and the conferring of national honors on Nwosu. However, they agreed to honor the late professor with a one-minute silence and extended their condolences to his family. In doing so, the Senate effectively dismissed the broader proposals aimed at immortalizing Nwosu's name and legacy.

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So, there you have it. The Senate has spoken, but the conversation surrounding Prof. Humphrey Nwosu's legacy continues to rage on. Will history remember him as a hero or a figure of controversy? Only time will tell.