A proposal to immortalise the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, who oversaw the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, has exposed sharp divisions in the Senate.

What began as a simple motion to honour Nwosu has exposed deep ethnic divisions, with senators from the South-East making a strong push for his immortalisation, only to be met with fierce resistance from lawmakers from other regions.

For two consecutive days last week, the Senate floor turned into a battleground, with tempers flaring as senators clashed over whether Nwosu deserved national recognition. In the end, the motion was rejected ? twice ? triggering an open protest by South-East senators, who stormed out of the chamber in frustration.

Now, the controversy has taken a new turn, with South-East governors vowing to take the fight to President Bola Tinubu.

To the South-Easterners, Nwosu was a hero who steered Nigeria?s most credible election under a military regime. But for his critics, his inability to announce the June 12 results disqualified him from such recognition.

Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West) defended Nwosu, arguing that he had no choice but to halt the process when the military intervened. ?There was no way he could have announced the results with a gun to his head,? he said.

Senator Austin Akobundu (APC, Abia Central) echoed this view, insisting that Nwosu deserved to be honoured for his contributions to Nigeria?s democratic evolution.

But some lawmakers were unconvinced.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South) dismissed the calls for recognition, asking, ?Why should we honour someone who failed to announce the results of a national election??

Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North) agreed. ?History rewards results, not efforts. Whether he was under duress or not, I am against naming INEC headquarters after him,? he argued.

Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) was even more blunt. ?Nwosu lacked the courage to do the right thing,? he said.

With the debate reaching a boiling point, the motion was put to a voice vote and once again rejected. However, in a symbolic gesture, the Senate observed a minute of silence in Nwosu?s honour.

South-East senators walk out in protest

Angered by the rejection, the South-East Senate caucus, led by Abaribe, walked out of the chamber and addressed the press, making a direct appeal to President Tinubu to step in.

?We are not deterred,? Abaribe declared. ?The reason is simple ? it may be delayed, but it will not be denied. We specifically call on President Bola Tinubu to immortalise Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.?

Nwosu, a professor of political science from Anambra State, conducted the historic June 12, 1993, election ? widely regarded as Nigeria?s freest and fairest poll. Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was presumed to have won, but the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results, citing alleged irregularities.

The annulment sparked widespread protests, pushing Nigeria into political turmoil. Nwosu later revealed that he had been ready to announce the results but was ordered to stop by the military.

?When the results started coming in around June 13 and 14, we were supposed to conclude by June 17 or 18. The other party had even congratulated SDP for winning,? he recalled in one of his final interviews.

?Suddenly, I received a letter from the police commissioner ordering us to cease the process. I was later summoned by the National Defence and Security Council, where Babangida, Abacha, Nyako, Gusau, and David Mark were present. I insisted on announcing the results, but they refused. At one point, Babangida told us, ?You people are on your own.??

South-East governors take the fight to Tinubu

With the Senate closing its doors on Nwosu?s recognition, South-East governors have stepped in.

Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo, announced that he and his counterparts from the region would meet with Tinubu to demand a national honour for Nwosu.

?We must learn to change our style and devise a way of dialogue to get what we need from the government at the centre ? not through fighting and attacks,? Soludo said at a church service marking Nwosu?s burial.

?After the funeral, we, the South-East governors, will meet with the president. We are confident that he will grant our request.?

Reactions trail Senate?s decision

The Senate?s rejection of the motion has drawn mixed reactions from political and religious leaders.

Chief Sam Nkire, a member of the APC National Caucus, argued that Nwosu should not be blamed for obeying military orders.

?Would anyone have done otherwise with a gun to his head? No! Even today, INEC faces threats when announcing results,? he told Daily Trust.

However, he also stressed the need for South-East senators to build alliances before pushing such motions in the Senate.

On the other hand, a former Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, suggested that the rejection was driven by ethnic bias.

?Whether you honour Prof. Nwosu or not, we shall honour our brother,? he said. ?The Senate?s position is highly unfortunate, and I know it is because he is Igbo.? (Daily Trust)

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