The House of Representatives has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to immortalise former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, now known as the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Humphery Nwosu, for his conduct of the June 12, 1993 election adjudged as the most credible election held in post-independent Nigeria.
Nwosu oversaw the election of Moshood Abiola, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party.
However, the exercise was annulled by military dictator, Gen Ibrahim Babangida (retd.).
The resolution of the legislative chamber was sequel to the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Peter Uzokwe and Nnabuife Clara, members representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo and Orumba North/Orumba South Federal Constituencies of Anambra State respectively.
Leading the debate, Uzokwe said, “The House is cognisant of various efforts made by the previous administrations to immortalise those who fought for democracy, of which we are all beneficiaries.
“The House also notes that an edifice (the Abuja Stadium) was named after the winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Moshood Abiola, by His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR).
“The House further notes that His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari demonstrated an honest remorsefulness of the injustice of June 12, 1993, by changing Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12, which was celebrated with all sense of pride in 2024 by His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR, who was part of the struggle of June 12, 1993.
“The House is worried about the continued neglect of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who put his life on the line to see that justice was not only done but seen to have been done.
“The House is concerned that the National Anthem was changed, and we all pray to God to help us build a nation where no man is oppressed, yet Prof Humphrey Nwosu is still not celebrated while he is alive.”
The lawmaker added, “The House is aware of many edifices named after our heroes past, like Louis Edet house for Police, Michael Imodu for Labour, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Murtala Muhammed Airport and M.K.O Abiola Stadium, etc.
“The House is disturbed that not even a road is not named after this hero of our democracy to date.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to immortalise Nwosu while he is still alive by conferring on him a national honour.
The lawmakers also urged the present administration to name the INEC headquarters after him and invite him to every Democracy Day celebration.
