Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South and Chairman of the South-East Senate Caucus, along with his colleagues, has made a fervent appeal to President Bola Tinubu to honor the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). This plea follows the Senate’s rejection of a motion proposed by Senator Abaribe to immortalize Nwosu for his pivotal role in the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely considered the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. Referring to President Tinubu as a “June 12 warrior,” Senator Abaribe urged him to transcend the Senate’s decision and recognize Nwosu’s significant contribution to the democratic freedoms enjoyed in Nigeria today. The senators argue that Nwosu’s actions laid the foundation for the eventual return to civilian rule in 1999, following the annulment of the June 12 election and the subsequent civil unrest.
The core of the senators’ argument rests on the belief that Nwosu deserves recognition for conducting the June 12 election despite immense pressure and legal obstacles. Senator Abaribe highlighted the court injunction issued by Justice Bassey Ikpeme, which sought to halt the announcement of the election results. Despite this, Nwosu persisted in overseeing the electoral process, demonstrating his commitment to democratic principles. The senators contend that Nwosu’s defiance of the military junta’s order, his unwavering dedication to completing the election process, and his subsequent arrest for his actions, underscore his courage and commitment to a free and fair election. Furthermore, they emphasize that the results were being progressively announced, with only Taraba State remaining, before the intervention that led to Nwosu’s detention.
The senators draw a direct link between Nwosu’s actions and the eventual return to democracy in 1999. They argue that the annulment of the June 12 election, overseen by Nwosu, and the ensuing public outcry and unrest ultimately paved the way for the military’s withdrawal from power. This narrative positions Nwosu as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, whose contribution extends beyond the single election and shaped the nation’s political landscape. The senators’ appeal to President Tinubu, therefore, carries a significant weight, given Tinubu’s own history as a prominent pro-democracy activist during the June 12 era.
Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West and a member of the South-East Caucus, further bolstered the argument for Nwosu’s recognition. Izunaso, who served as a returning officer during the 1993 election, recounted Nwosu’s bravery in defying the military regime. He detailed how Nwosu convinced the National Defence and Security Council to allow the election to proceed despite the court injunction, and how he continued to oversee the announcement of results even after being apprehended at Aso Rock. This firsthand account underscores Nwosu’s resolve and commitment to upholding democratic processes in the face of significant opposition. Izunaso’s testimony serves to reinforce the argument that Nwosu acted with integrity and played a crucial role in ensuring the election took place.
Despite the fervent appeals from the South-East Caucus, the Senate rejected the motion to rename the INEC headquarters after Professor Nwosu and confer posthumous national honors upon him. The motion sparked a heated debate within the Senate, revealing deep divisions regarding Nwosu’s legacy and the significance of the June 12 election. This division ultimately resulted in the motion’s failure, highlighting the complexities of historical memory and the challenges of achieving consensus on controversial figures and events. While the Senate agreed to honor Nwosu with a minute of silence and extend condolences to his family, the rejection of the more substantive aspects of the motion clearly disappointed the South-East senators.
The rejection of the motion and the subsequent walkout by the South-East senators underscore the ongoing debate surrounding Nwosu’s legacy and the recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy. The senators’ appeal to President Tinubu represents a renewed effort to secure recognition for Nwosu, bypassing the Senate’s decision. The outcome of this appeal remains uncertain, but the senators’ actions highlight their determination to ensure that Nwosu’s role in the June 12 election and its impact on Nigeria’s democratic journey are not forgotten. Their plea serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to acknowledge and honor key figures in Nigeria’s political history, especially those whose contributions have been overshadowed by controversy and political divisions.
