Senate Postpones Motion To Honor Late INEC Chairman Humphrey Nwosu

Senate Postpones Motion To Honor Late INEC Chairman, Humphrey Nwosu

A motion seeking to honor the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the man who oversaw Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, was stalled in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, along with several co-sponsors primarily from the South-East region, introduced the motion under matters of urgent public importance, calling for the immortalization of Nwosu in recognition of his significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Abaribe stated, “Prof. Nwosu’s role in Nigeria’s democracy is irrefutable. Despite the obstacles he faced, he conducted an election that continues to be a landmark in our electoral history. It is only fitting that the Senate acknowledges his contributions and honors his legacy….READ MORE….

However, the motion encountered procedural hurdles when Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, raised a point of order, arguing that senators had not been provided with copies of the motion in advance, which he claimed was a breach of Senate procedure. Abaribe countered, asserting that the documents had been made available, resulting in tension within the chamber.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, then intervened, describing the motion as “controversial,” citing the divided opinions on Nwosu’s actions during the June 12 election. “Some view him as someone who undermined June 12, while others regard him as a democratic hero,” Jibrin remarked.

When the motion was put to a voice vote, Jibrin ruled against it, siding with the “nays” and halting any further discussion. Subsequent attempts by Abaribe to revisit the motion were rejected by the Senate, leading to an emotional outburst from Abaribe, who questioned, “What is wrong with honoring Prof. Nwosu?”

Several South-East senators, including Patrick Ndubaeze and Victor Umeh, expressed frustration over the motion’s rejection, with Umeh exclaiming, “What is going on? We cannot continue like this.” Senator Yahaya Abdullahi also voiced support for Abaribe, accusing Jibrin of attempting to silence dissent.

Amid growing tensions, Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, urging senators to approach the issue with sensitivity and unity. “While opinions may differ, we must focus on strengthening our democratic institutions, not reopening past divisions,” Akpabio advised.

After further discussions, the Senate decided to defer a final decision on the motion, referring it to the relevant committee for additional review.