IMMORTALIZING PROF. HUMPHREY NWOSU

There are two key reasons why pursuing the immortalization of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu remains a contentious and cumbersome issue.

First, in his book Laying the Foundation for Nigeria's Democracy: My Account of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election and Its Annulment, Prof. Nwosu controversially absolved General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) of direct responsibility for the annulment. This stance unsettled many, given the historical context. However, it’s worth noting that his court affidavit provided NADECO with the foundation to claim MKO Abiola’s victory.

Interestingly, in his autobiography A Journey in Service, IBB acknowledged that MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, aligning with Prof. Nwosu’s earlier claims. IBB also maintained that the annulment was influenced by forces beyond his control, expressing regret and detailing the complexities surrounding the decision.

Second, as chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) during the June 12, 1993, election, Prof. Nwosu faced immense pressure from the military government. He should have announced the results without fear. The truth is, he was unable to do so due to direct military interference, including threats and injunctions. The results were halted just as they were about to be fully collated, with only one state's results—Taraba—pending.

This delay and the eventual annulment of the election by the military government led to widespread outrage and is still regarded as one of the darkest moments in Nigeria's democratic history. While Nwosu later revealed that MKO Abiola was the presumed winner, his late announcement was a monumental error. Even if the military had dismissed his declaration, taking that bold step would have cemented his legacy as a hero worthy of immortalization.

That single act of defiance could have added a crown to his complex legacy—one of courage in conducting the election and unwavering resolve in announcing the results despite military threats.

Immortalizing Prof. Humphrey Nwosu today would be a complex and polarizing decision. On one hand, he played a pivotal role in organizing the June 12, 1993, election, celebrated as Nigeria's freest and fairest. His efforts in laying the groundwork for democratic processes in Nigeria remain significant contributions to the nation’s history.

On the other hand, his inability to announce the results at the time, coupled with the controversial narrative in his 2008 book, has left many questioning his legacy. For some, his actions—or inactions—during a critical moment in Nigeria's democratic journey overshadow his earlier contributions.

If he were to be immortalized, it would likely be for his role in advancing electoral reforms and conducting the June 12 election. However, the debate around his legacy would remain controversial.

The June 12 election remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria's history, and Nwosu’s role as the electoral commission chairman during that time will continue to be both praised and criticized.

Below is a list of some of Nigeria’s despots who have been immortalized in various ways without much argument:

1. General Murtala Mohammed:
• Immortalized through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.
• His face is featured on the 20 Naira note.
• Several streets and institutions bear his name.
2. General Yakubu Gowon:
• Honored with the Gowon Estate in Lagos.
• His leadership during the Nigerian Civil War is commemorated in various historical accounts.
3. General Sani Abacha:
• Despite his controversial legacy, some institutions and streets in northern Nigeria still bear his name.
4. General Olusegun Obasanjo:
• Immortalized through the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
• Recognized for his role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1979 and 1999.
5. General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB):
• Honored with the IBB Golf Course in Minna.
• Several streets and institutions are named after him.
6. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi:
• Remembered through the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cantonment in Abuja.
• Streets like Ironsi Street in Owerri, Imo State, also immortalize him.
7. General Muhammadu Buhari:
• Immortalized through various institutions and streets named after him, particularly in northern Nigeria.

These leaders have left complex legacies, with their contributions and controversies shaping Nigeria's history. To me, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu stands out among them as a better leader, a better citizen and a more capable candidate for immortalization. He was never bribed like some current INEC chairmen, nor did he enrich himself like others. He had no blood in his hands. He should be celebrated and immortalized.

Finally, Nigeria’s Senators have made a fool of themselves again. During the launch of IBB's autobiography, A Journey in Service, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and many others did not make any dismissive remarks about IBB’s controversial role in the June 12 annulment. Instead, the event was marked by discussions that largely avoided direct criticism of IBB, despite the backlash his book received for reopening old wounds. That the National Assembly’s stance on Prof. Humphrey Nwosu's immortalization contrasts sharply with their approach to IBB, raises questions about their  bias, inconsistency and the anachronistic igbophobic tendencies of Nigeria’s political elite even in sharing infrastructure and democratic dividends. It has to stop. The refusal of the National Assembly to name the INEC house after Prof. Humphrey Nwosu and the offer to give him only a minute silence is indeed an act of national indignity.

Prof. Humphrey Nwosu was born on 2 October 1941. He died October 2024 at the age of 83. He will be laid to rest in his home state, Anambra today, March 28, 2025. May his soul rest in peace.