March 28, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and South-East governors to immortalise Professor Humphrey Nwosu, for conducting the most credible, free, and transparent election in Nigeria’s history.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who made the call through a statement issued in Abakaliki on Thursday, faulted the Nigeria Senate for declining to honour Professor Humphrey Nwosu with a posthumous recognition.
According to him, by recognising MKO Abiola, who was a product of the widely celebrated electoral process, and dismissing the profound impact of Professor Nwosu’s stewardship is nothing less than hypocritical.
The statement reads: “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stands resolute in its condemnation of the recent actions taken by the 10th Senate of Nigeria. In a shocking display of unpatriotism and lack of regard for historical truth, the Senate has declined to honor the memory of Professor Humphrey Nwosu with the posthumous recognition he so richly deserves.
“This decision reflects not only a failure to acknowledge the significant contributions he made to our nation but also perpetuates the systematic oppression and marginalisation of the Igbo people.
“Professor Nwosu’s leadership as the Chief Electoral Umpire during the remarkable June 12, 1993 elections resulted in what remains the most credible, free, and transparent electoral process in Nigeria’s history. This election was a pivotal moment for our democracy, which has since been tarnished by subsequent mismanagement and disregard for the will of the Nigerian people.
“To recognise the late Chief MKO Abiola—acclaimed as the rightful winner of those elections—while simultaneously dismissing the profound impact of Professor Nwosu’s stewardship is nothing less than hypocritical. It is a continuation of the political injustices that have plagued our country since the turbulence of 1966.
“By failing to immortalise Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the Senate does not merely disregard historical accuracy; it further entrenches the narrative of ongoing animosity towards the Igbo nation. This act illuminates a troubling truth: the civil war against the Igbo, although not defined by conventional guns and silences, persists in more insidious forms. Such negligence risks setting a perilous precedent that threatens the unity and coherence of our nation.
“We salute the Southeast senators and their colleagues who demonstrated honor and integrity during the Senate’s deliberations on this issue. The walkout on March 27, 2027, in protest against the thwarting of the bill to rename INEC’s headquarters in Abuja after Professor Nwosu was a testament to the spirit of accountability and justice. However, it is clear that the fight for equitable recognition goes beyond symbolic gestures; it requires a concerted effort to restore dignity and truth to our narrative.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserts that the 10th Senate has forfeited any claims to integrity or jurisdiction over matters of public recognition. The duty to honour fallen heroes of democracy lies not within the chambers of this Senate but squarely with the Executive.
“Therefore, we call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our esteemed Southeast governors to act decisively and rectify this egregious oversight by immortalising Professor Humphrey Nwosu. Such an action would not only serve to correct the tarnished image of the Senate but also align with the democratic ideals upon which our nation should stand.
“In conclusion, let it be abundantly clear: honoring Professor Humphrey Nwosu is not merely a tribute to one man’s legacy; it is a necessary step towards healing the historical wounds inflicted upon the Igbo. It stands as a declaration of unity, resilience, and an assertion of our collective demand for justice. We urge all those who value democracy and true representation to join us in this righteous cause”, he said.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
