Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, has expressed his disappointment following the Senate's rejection of a motion aimed at immortalizing the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, a key figure in Nigeria's democratic history.
On Wednesday, a motion put forth by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and supported by members of the minority caucus, particularly from the South-East, was voted down by the Senate. The proposal sought to honor Nwosu for his courageous defense of the electoral process during the 1993 presidential elections, widely recognized as one of the most credible in Nigeria's history.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, acknowledged the contentious nature of the motion, noting the divided public opinion regarding Nwosu's role in the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. During a voice vote, the motion was ultimately dismissed as the 'nays' prevailed.
In an appearance on Channels Television's "Politics Today" on Wednesday, Umeh condemned the Senate's decision, labeling it undemocratic. He expressed frustration at the treatment of a man who made significant contributions to Nigeria's electoral process, stating, "It is a question of people not being fair to a man who has done so well. Instead of giving him accolades, we want to be uncharitable to him even in death."
Umeh emphasized the timeliness of the motion, given that Nwosu's burial is scheduled for Friday, just two days away. He argued that recognizing Nwosu's contributions during such a crucial moment was important.
The senator contended that while those opposing the immortalization had the right to their views, so too should supporters be allowed to express their opinions freely. "Shutting down the motion the way it was done this morning is very undemocratic," he added.
Umeh suggested that the Senate leadership should have facilitated a debate on the motion, noting that discussions on such topics are typically encouraged regardless of differing opinions. He criticized the decision to reject the motion as unfair to Prof. Nwosu, who played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria's electoral landscape.
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, was responsible for overseeing the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which declared the late MKO Abiola the winner. The election remains one of the most credible and free ever conducted in Nigeria, and despite its subsequent annulment, Nwosu's contribution to the democratic process has left an indelible mark on the nation's history.
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