The Senate rejected the prayers contained in a motion designed to rename the headquarters of the Independent National Election Commission, previously the late National Election Commission (NEC), the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu.
The late NWOSU is the chairman of the NEC, an electoral body organized on June 12, 1993, and won the presidential election by Chief Moshood Abiola.
NWOSU professor re-issued a motion to name the INEC building after it was revoked Wednesday by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Abaribe called for the honor of Nwosu’s post-death national honor for his role in the evolution of Nigeria’s democratic development.
However, the proposal has sparked heated debate again, with lawmakers deeply divided over NWOSU’s legacy.
Osita Ngwu, a senator representing the Senate District of Enugu, admitted that the NWOSU acted under the military regime, which limited his ability to declare the abolition of the election results.
He argued
“He would never announce the result with a gun. That didn’t change the fact that some of us see him as a hero.”
Senator Austin Akobundu, who represents Abia Central, spoke on the same line, known as the most uncharitable, was fired by lawmakers for NWOSU donations, insisting that he should get a place in the Nigerian Hall of Honor.
On the other hand, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) dismissed the idea, questioning the reasons behind the Senate in recognition of those who failed to announce the outcome of the June 12 election, insisting that “no name was named him.”
Senator Ekiti North believes that history does not reward efforts, but results.
“As long as he does not announce the result, I would object to naming the INEC headquarters after him, whether under coercion or not.”
Additionally, Senator Karimi, representing Karimi on Sunday criticized NWOSU for lack of courage to speak out, while Senator Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central) warned that the immortal NWOSU would destroy the memory of the late Mko Abiola, the eliminated Mko Abra
He declared: “Any attempt to do anything except a minute of silence is to rub Abiola’s legacy.”
After careful consideration, most senators rejected the motion through voice vote.
However, they agreed to pay tribute to him with a minute of silence and to express condolences to his family, effectively dismissing other prayers to immortalize the late NEC President.
