A heated moment unfolded in the Nigerian Senate as Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe staged a walkout from the plenary session after his motion to immortalize Humphrey Nwosu, the architect of the June 12, 1993 election, was rejected by his colleagues.
The Motion to Honor Humphrey Nwosu
During the session, Senator Abaribe proposed that the Nigerian government should formally recognize and honor Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), for his role in conducting the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history. The election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola, was later annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, sparking political unrest.
According to Abaribe, Nwosu’s legacy deserves national recognition, as he laid the foundation for credible democratic elections in the country. However, when the motion was put to a vote, it was dismissed by a majority of senators.
Senator Abaribe’s Protest
Frustrated by the rejection of his motion, Abaribe walked out of the plenary, insisting that Nigeria is not under a dictatorship and that every senator should have the right to speak and be heard. He criticized the refusal to honor Nwosu, questioning why Nigeria continues to overlook those who played pivotal roles in its democratic journey.
Reactions from the Senate
While some senators supported Abaribe’s motion, others argued that June 12 had already been recognized as Democracy Day in honor of MKO Abiola and that additional recognitions were unnecessary.
A few lawmakers also suggested that Nwosu’s role was purely administrative, and while his contributions were valuable, the focus should remain on Abiola, the symbol of the struggle.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
Abaribe’s dramatic exit has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some agree that Nwosu deserves recognition for his courage in announcing the results despite military interference, others believe that June 12 is already sufficiently honored through the official Democracy Day celebrations.
His action also raises concerns about freedom of speech within the Senate, as many question whether lawmakers are truly allowed to express dissenting views without facing suppression.
Should Humphrey Nwosu Be Honored?
The debate on who should be remembered in Nigeria’s democratic history remains a contentious issue. While MKO Abiola has been celebrated for his sacrifice, many believe that other key figures, like Nwosu, also deserve national recognition.
The rejection of Abaribe’s motion suggests that political divisions still exist over the events of June 12, 1993, and how Nigeria should honor its democratic heroes. Senator Abaribe’s walkout highlights the ongoing struggles within Nigeria’s democracy, as well as the need for open discussions on the country’s political history. Whether or not Humphrey Nwosu will eventually receive national recognition, his role in the 1993 election remains an important chapter in Nigeria’s journey to democracy.
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Written By Fortune Davidson