From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, Abakaliki
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the Senate’s opposition to immortalise the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, NEC, Professor Humphrey Nwosu confirms that the civil war against lgbos is not yet over.
Ohanaeze condemned the actions of the 10th Senate, saying it is characterised by unpatriotic behaviors that reinforce the notion of an ongoing civil war against Igbo people.
According to Ohanaeze, in a grievous affront to justice and historical acknowledgment, the Senate has chosen to reject the posthumous honour due to Professor Nwosu, the esteemed former chief electoral umpire and national chairman of the National Electoral Commission (now referred to as INEC).
A statement issued yesterday by its factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated that Nwosu’s stewardship in the June 12, 1993 elections was unparalleled, as he orchestrated what remains the most credible, transparent and peaceful electoral process in Nigeria’s history.
The statement emphased that it was during this election that Chief Moshood Abiola emerged victor, a truth subsequently recognised by former President Muhammadu Buhari and the current President, Bola Tinubu, who proclaimed June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria.
It reads “To honour Chief Abiola while neglecting Professor Nwosu is not merely hypocritical; it is an act that perpetuates the systemic marginalisation of the Igbo nation and reinforces the oppressive cycles that began with the events of 1966.
“The decision to dismiss Professor Nwosu’s legacy and contributions signifies more than an oversight; it unveils a troubling hierarchy of hypocrisy calculated to undermine the fabric of our nation.
“The continued refusal to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Nwosu and others like him is an affront to the ideals of democracy and unity.
“Such actions echo the sentiments of a civil war still unresolved, one that is waged in the halls of power rather than on the battlefield.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to the South East senators and their allies who demonstrated integrity and courage by staging a walkout on March 27 in protest over the Senate’s decision to truncate the bill that sought to enshrine Professor Nwosu’s legacy by renaming the INEC headquarters after him.
“Their actions reflect a principled stance for justice, a commendable effort to combat the growing perception that the Senate operates outside the interests of democracy and the Nigerian people.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that the 10th Senate has long abdicated its moral authority and jurisdiction over the public recognition of its historical figures.
“The responsibility to honour such icons falls squarely upon the executive. Thus, we urgently call on President Tinubu and our South East governors to rise above partisan politics and collectively resolve to immortalise him.
“This crucial act would not only restore the integrity of our political landscape, but also reaffirm our shared narrative—a narrative that recognizes the contributions of all who have fought and sacrificed for the democratic ideals we cherish.”
The lgbo body maintained that the immortalisation of Professor Nwosu is not merely a tribute to an individual’s legacy, but a necessary correction toward healing the historical divides that continue to plague our nation.
“It is a powerful statement of unity and resilience against the forces that have sought to silence the Igbo voice. We invite all Nigerians to join us in this noble cause, as we demand acknowledgment of our history and the valiant efforts of those who paved the way for our democracy.”
