JUST IN: Senate Rejects Motion to Rename INEC Headquarters After Nwosu
The Senate has dismissed a motion that proposed renaming the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in honor of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, who was formerly chairman of the now-defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC) and managed the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The motion was reintroduced by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on Thursday after lawmakers dismissed it on Wednesday.
Abaribe advocated for Nwosu to be awarded posthumous national honors in acknowledgment of his contributions to the development of democracy in Nigeria.
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Nevertheless, the proposal reignited a heated debate, with lawmakers deeply split over Prof. Nwosu’s legacy.
Senator Osita Ngwu recognized that Nwosu was functioning under a military regime, which limited his capacity to announce the results. He argued, “He could not possibly have announced the results while being threatened at gunpoint. Nevertheless, many of us still regard him as a hero.”
Senator Austin Akobundu, however, considered it extremely unfair for lawmakers to overlook Nwosu’s contributions, emphasizing that he rightfully deserved a spot in Nigeria’s hall of honor.
Conversely, several senators, including Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, completely rejected the proposal. They questioned the reasoning behind honoring someone who failed to announce the results and insisted that “nothing should be named after him.”
Senator Cyril Fasuyi contended that history values results over efforts. He stated, “Since he did not announce the result, regardless of any pressure applied, I oppose naming INEC headquarters in his honor.”
Additionally, Senator Sunday Karimi criticized Nwosu for not having the courage to speak up. Meanwhile, Senator Afolabi Salisu cautioned that honoring him would diminish the legacy of MKO Abiola, who is widely regarded as the rightful winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 election. “Doing anything more than observing a one-minute silence undermines Abiola’s legacy,” he stated.
While Comrade Adams Oshiomhole presents compelling argument on the Senate floor, outlining valid reasons why late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu should not be immortalized. A key point of contention is Nwosu’s role in declaring the June 12, 1993, MKO Abiola election inconclusive. Interestingly, a video has surfaced where Nwosu himself confirms making this announcement, which has sparked significant debate.
Following intense deliberation, the majority of senators dismissed the motion through a voice vote. However, they decided to honor him with a one-minute silence and convey their condolences to his family, thereby rejecting other requests aimed at immortalizing Nwosu.
