The Senate on Thursday rejected a motion to name the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the late former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.
This followed the Senate’s consideration of the motion titled: “Motion to Immortalise Prof. Humphrey Nwosu,” sponsored by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe during plenary in Abuja.
Abaribe had in his presentation said the motion was supported by all the senators from South-East as well as the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, Senator Ned Nwoko and Senator Adamu Aliero, among others.
He had urged the Senate to immortalise Nwosu by naming the INEC headquarters after him.
The lawmaker also appealed to the Federal Government to posthumously honour the man who supervised the June 12, 1993 presidential election with a national award.
He said: “Mr. President, I propose that we observe a minute of silence in honour of Prof. Nwosu, given that his burial is tomorrow (Friday).”
When the motion was put to a voice vote by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, it was, however, greeted with a resounding “Nay” by some of the senators.
The only prayer that was observed was a minute’s silence in honour of the late NEC chairman.
Earlier in the motion, Abaribe noted that the late Nwosu was the NEC chairman from 1989 to 1993.
“He was responsible for supervising the 1993 presidential election.
“We recognise that his courageous defence 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.
“Additionally, 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,” he stated.