Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Senate’s Refusal to Honor Professor Humphrey Nwosu
BoldMedia — March 28, 2025
The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly condemned the actions of the 10th Senate of Nigeria, calling it a gathering of unpatriotic politicians whose decisions suggest that the civil war against the Igbo nation is still an unfortunate reality.
In a shocking and disheartening move, the Senate declined to posthumously honor and immortalize Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chief Electoral Umpire and National Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), now INEC.
Professor Humphrey Nwosu’s Legacy
Professor Nwosu is widely celebrated for conducting Nigeria’s most credible, free, and transparent election in June 1993, which saw the emergence of Chief Moshood Abiola as President before it was unjustly annulled.
Both former President Muhammadu Buhari and the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have posthumously recognized Chief Abiola’s role by declaring June 12 as Democracy Day. However, the Senate’s failure to extend the same honor to Professor Nwosu is viewed as an act of systemic discrimination against the Igbo people.
A Blatant Disregard for Justice
Ohanaeze Ndigbo warns that neglecting Professor Nwosu’s legacy is a reminder that the wounds of the civil war remain unhealed.
- Honoring one while ignoring the other is seen as hypocrisy.
- The refusal to recognize Nwosu deepens historical injustices against the Igbo.
- This sets a dangerous precedent that threatens national unity.
Senators Protest Senate’s Decision
Ohanaeze commends Southeast senators and other lawmakers who staged a walkout from the Senate chamber on March 27, 2025, in protest against the rejection of the bill to rename the INEC headquarters in Abuja after Professor Nwosu.
Their principled stand is seen as a bold move in defense of justice and democracy.
Call for Presidential Action
Ohanaeze asserts that the 10th Senate lacks the moral integrity to determine who should be honored. The responsibility, they argue, lies with the Executive branch.
Thus, the group calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Southeast governors to:
- Correct this injustice by ensuring Professor Nwosu is immortalized.
- Recognize his rightful place in history alongside Chief MKO Abiola.
- Promote national reconciliation by addressing historical grievances.
A Call for National Unity
Honoring Professor Humphrey Nwosu is not just about recognizing his contributions—it is a critical step toward national healing.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges all Nigerians to support this cause, emphasizing that a just and united Nigeria must acknowledge all those who shaped its democratic journey.
