South-East senators have called on President Bola Tinubu to immortalize the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), for his pivotal role in organizing the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s fairest election.
The appeal comes after the Senate rejected a motion sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) to have Nwosu officially recognized for his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy.
Despite the setback, Abaribe urged Tinubu, whom he described as a “June 12 warrior,” to look beyond the Senate’s decision and take action.
“So we are using this opportunity to appeal to the government of President Bola Tinubu to honour the man who made sure that that election was held, even though it was annulled, and put elections in the consciousness of Nigerians,” Abaribe said.
He noted that Nwosu was unable to announce the final election results due to a court order by Justice Bassey Ikpeme, which halted the process.
Read also: Gov Diri vows to resist attempts to import Rivers political crisis into Bayelsa
“If you recall, Tinubu was seen and has always been seen as a June 12 warrior. Don’t forget that it was the outcome of the annulment of that election that led to nationwide unrest, ultimately forcing the military to exit power in 1999.”
Abaribe also referenced a statement made by former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, at a recent colloquium in honor of Nwosu.
“Prof. Jega said he was surprised that up to this moment, the professor has not been recognized or honored by the government of Nigeria, which today is benefiting from his legacies in producing, in 1993, the freest and fairest election.”
Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West), another South-East lawmaker, echoed Abaribe’s sentiments, recounting his personal experience as a returning officer during the 1993 election. He detailed how Nwosu risked his safety by standing up to the military junta.
“We are all aware that Justice Bassey Ikpeme said that there should be no election. By 9:30 in the morning on June 10, Nwosu went to the National Defence and Security Council on his own accord and convinced them that the election process had already commenced,” Izunaso said.
He also refuted claims that Nwosu failed to announce the results.
“If anybody is saying that he did not announce the results, the person is lying, because the results were being announced. In fact, 29 states were declared, leaving only Taraba State. Even when he was summoned to Aso Rock, he was arrested, but he still ordered the announcement of Taraba’s result.”
“So at what point would Humphrey Nwosu have announced that result? In Aso Rock? Let us be serious. The truth is, the Senate resolution is not even binding. We are urging President Tinubu to do the right thing and immortalize Professor Nwosu.”
On Thursday, Abaribe’s motion sought to rename the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after Nwosu and grant him posthumous national honors. However, the proposal sparked intense debate, with senators deeply divided over Nwosu’s legacy.
In the end, the motion was put to a vote and rejected.
The Senate instead agreed to observe a one-minute silence in Nwosu’s honor and extend condolences to his family, but dismissed the calls for further recognition.
In protest, South-East senators staged a walkout, expressing their dissatisfaction with the decision.
