The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, resolutely condemns the actions of the 10th Senate of Nigeria, characterizing it as a gathering of unpatriotic politicians whose decisions unequivocally confirm that the civil war against the Igbo nation remains a regrettable reality. In a shocking and disheartening display of disregard for historical truth and integrity, the Senate has declined to posthumously honor and immortalize Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chief Electoral Umpire and National Chairman of what was then known as the National Electoral Commission (NEC), now referred to as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Professor Nwosu is celebrated for conducting the most credible, free, and transparent elections in the annals of Nigeria’s history in June 1993, which culminated in the unjustly thwarted election of Chief Moshood Abiola as President. The recognition of Chief Abiola, posthumously endorsed by both former President Muhammadu Buhari and the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, solidifies this election’s legacy, with June 12 now commemorated as Democracy Day in Nigeria. This reality underscores an undeniable truth: both Chief MKO Abiola and Professor Humphrey Nwosu stand as giants in our democratic evolution. Therefore, to honor one while dishonoring the other constitutes a profound hypocrisy and a deliberate act of systemic discrimination against the Igbo people.
The continued neglect of Professor Nwosu’s legacy serves as a stark reminder that the wounds inflicted during and after Nigeria’s civil war remain unhealed. This refusal to adopt an equitable and just approach to historical acknowledgment represents a regression into the animosities of the past. To perpetuate this disparity into 2025 would set a calamitous precedent capable of undermining the very fabric of Nigerian unity.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends its commendations to the Southeast senators and other honorable members who staged a walkout in the Senate chamber on March 27, 2027, to protest the truncation of the bill aimed at immortalizing Professor Nwosu by renaming the INEC headquarters in Abuja after him. Their principled stand in the face of adversity exemplifies the courage that is necessary to foster a truly participatory democracy.
We assert that the 10th Senate lacks the moral integrity and jurisdiction to dictate the recognition of public office holders. It is not within the purview of the Senate, but rather a constitutional responsibility of the Executive branch to appropriately honor such pivotal figures in our nation’s history. Therefore, we call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governors of the Southeast to summon their collective will and rectify this grievous oversight by ensuring that Professor Humphrey Nwosu is immortalized. Accepting his rightful place in history will not only restore the dignity of our political landscape but also affirm the democratic ideals that our nation aspires to uphold.
In conclusion, the act of honoring Professor Nwosu is not merely an acknowledgment of his service; it serves as a necessary reconciliation with our collective past, a pivotal moment that can foster healing among the diverse ethnic groups within Nigeria. We implore all citizens to join us in advocating for this just cause.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
28/03/2025
