South-East Governors To Meet Tinubu Over Posthumous Honour For Nwosu

Governors from the South-East states of Nigeria are set to meet with President Bola Tinubu to advocate for a posthumous national honour for the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, made this announcement on Friday during the funeral ceremony of Professor Nwosu at his country home in Ajali, Orumba-North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Senate had recently rejected a motion by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe to honour Nwosu, who oversaw the historic June 12, 1993 election, regarded as Nigeria’s freest and most credible election. The election, which was won by the late business mogul Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was later annulled by then-military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, leading to decades of political unrest that eventually culminated in the return to civilian rule in 1999.

The Senate’s decision sparked heated debate within the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. However, Governor Soludo assured that South-East governors would soon meet with President Tinubu to press for the recognition of Nwosu’s contributions.

“We must change our approach and adopt dialogue to achieve our goals with the central government rather than through confrontations,” Soludo said. “After the funeral, we South-East governors will meet with the President to request the national honour for our brother, and we are confident he will grant our request.”

Representing President Tinubu at the funeral, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, reiterated the President’s admiration for Professor Nwosu and his pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“President Tinubu holds Professor Nwosu in high regard for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s democracy,” Umahi said. “We celebrate him for his role in the advancement of the country’s democratic process, and we will continue to honour his legacy.”

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, also paid tribute to Nwosu, describing him as a true icon of democracy. He joined Soludo in honouring Nwosu’s memory, praying for a triumph at the resurrection of Jesus Christ for the late professor.

Retired Anglican Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, lamenting the Senate’s refusal to immortalize Nwosu, argued that the former electoral chairman did not annul the June 12 election, a decision taken by Babangida. He also suggested that until Nigerians apologize to the families of late Chief Abiola and Nwosu, their spirits would not rest.

Bishop Chukwuma also expressed his belief that Nwosu’s refusal to annul the election was perhaps one of the reasons behind the Senate’s lack of action, suggesting that ethnic bias played a role.

Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samurai Ezeofor, during his sermon, criticized the state of the nation, lamenting that the dreams and aspirations of the country had been shattered. He noted that men like Professor Nwosu had the potential to liberate Nigeria but were overshadowed by election rigging.

Dignitaries at the funeral included Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; former Governor of Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; and Senator Victor Umeh.