South-East Senators walked out of the Senate Chamber in protest over the refusal to immortalize Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the man behind Nigeria’s historic June 12 election. Read why they are calling on Tinubu to act now!
A heated drama unfolded at the National Assembly as South-East Senators staged a dramatic walkout from the Senate Chamber following the refusal of the Senate to pass a resolution immortalizing Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the man who conducted Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993 election.
The lawmakers, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Senator Osita Izunaso, condemned what they described as a deliberate attempt to erase Nwosu’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey. They expressed disappointment that despite the recognition of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the man who risked his life to conduct the election remains unrecognized.
Abaribe: “Another Government Will Do It If Tinubu Fails”
Speaking on behalf of the protesting senators, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe emphasized that the battle to honor Nwosu is far from over. He stated that even if the current government refuses to recognize him, a future government will eventually do so.
“We said that even if it’s not done today, another government will do this. We are still looking forward to Tinubu’s government. If you recall, Tinubu was seen and has always been seen as a June 12 warrior. Therefore, all the elements that make up June 12, including the conduct of the election, should be acknowledged. If there was no election, there would have been no June 12th,” Abaribe said.
He appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to correct what he described as an injustice by officially honoring the man who made June 12 possible.
Izunaso: “Nwosu Was Arrested Yet Ensured The Election Was Completed”
Senator Osita Izunaso, another vocal advocate for Nwosu’s recognition, detailed the risks Nwosu took to ensure the election process was completed despite opposition from military authorities.
“We are all aware that the government at the time declared that there shall be no election. But on June 10, Professor Nwosu, without invitation, audaciously walked into the National Defense and Security Council and convinced them that the election process had commenced. That was why President Babangida allowed him to conduct the election,” Izunaso explained.
He debunked claims that Nwosu did not announce the final result, stating that the results were being announced and only Taraba State was left before the military intervened.
“In fact, 29 states had been announced. It was remaining only Taraba State. Even when they ordered him to come to Aso Rock, I want to tell you, he was arrested. But he still ordered that Taraba be announced. So at what point will Humphrey have announced that result? Is it in Aso Rock where they detained him?” Izunaso questioned.
Senate’s Silence Sparks Outrage
The Senate’s refusal to immortalize Nwosu has ignited widespread criticism, with many questioning why the lawmakers are hesitant to recognize a man who played a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic transition. While June 12 has been officially recognized as Democracy Day, many believe that true justice can only be served when the architect of that election is duly honored.
Appeal To Tinubu: “Do The Right Thing”
The South-East Senators did not mince words in calling on President Tinubu to step in and correct the perceived injustice.
“The truth of the matter is that the Senate resolution is advisory; it’s not even compelling. So we are urging President Tinubu to do the right thing by immortalizing Professor Humphrey Nwosu,” Izunaso added.
With the walkout making headlines, political analysts predict that the controversy surrounding Nwosu’s recognition will continue to generate heated debates until decisive action is taken. WATCH VIDEO ATTACHED BELOW:
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