The Senate has rejected the proposals in a motion to rename the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters after the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) during the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe re-introduced the motion on Thursday, after it was initially dismissed by lawmakers on Wednesday.
He also called for posthumous national honors for Nwosu, recognizing his contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development.
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However, the motion once again triggered a passionate debate, revealing deep divisions among senators regarding Nwosu’s legacy.
Senator Osita Ngwu acknowledged the constraints Nwosu faced under a military regime, suggesting that he was unable to announce the election results due to duress. He still argued that Nwosu should be viewed as a hero.
Senator Austin Akobundu criticized the dismissal of Nwosu’s contributions, insisting that he deserved recognition.
Conversely, senators like Jimoh Ibrahim rejected the idea, questioning why the Senate should honor someone who did not announce the election results. He argued that nothing should be named after him.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi argued that history only rewards results, not efforts. He stated his opposition to naming the INEC headquarters after Nwosu, regardless of the circumstances.
Senators Sunday Karimi criticized Nwosu’s lack of courage to speak out, and Afolabi Salisu warned that honoring him would diminish the memory of MKO Abiola, the widely recognized winner of the annulled election.
Following a lengthy discussion, the majority of senators voted against the motion.
They did, however, agree to observe a minute of silence in Nwosu’s honor and offer condolences to his family, effectively rejecting the other proposals to immortalize him.
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