Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central in the Senate, has expressed his disapproval regarding the Senate’s rejection of a motion aimed at honoring the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu. This motion, introduced by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and supported by members of the minority caucus predominantly from the South-East, sought to acknowledge Prof. Nwosu’s significant contributions and his brave defense of the democratic electoral process during the 1993 presidential elections.
During the session, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, who was overseeing the proceedings, remarked that the motion was contentious due to the divided public opinion surrounding Prof. Nwosu’s involvement in the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. When the motion was put to a voice vote, it was ultimately rejected by the majority.
In an appearance on a te, Senator Umeh characterized the events in the Senate as undemocratic. He stated, “It seems unfair to disregard a man who has made significant contributions; instead of honoring him, we choose to be unkind even in death. This motion was timely, especially with his burial scheduled for Friday, just two days away.
“It is essential to discuss his contributions in Parliament. Those with opposing views may argue against his commemoration, while supporters should also express their opinions. The manner in which the motion was dismissed this morning is decidedly undemocratic.” Senator Umeh contended that the Senate leadership should have permitted a debate on the motion, noting that such discussions occur regularly in the Senate, regardless of differing opinions.
He emphasized that rejecting the motion was unjust to the late Prof. Nwosu, who he claimed dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.
Prof. Nwosu served as the Chairman of the now-defunct National Electoral Commission, which oversaw the presidential election in June 1993 that resulted in the victory of the late MKO Abiola. This election is widely regarded as the most credible electoral process ever held in Nigeria.
