The Nigerian Senate witnessed a heated session on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over a motion to immortalize the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the now-defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Nwosu is best remembered for overseeing the historic June 12, 1993, election, which was later annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.
A Controversial Motion Sparks Debate
The disagreement erupted when Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), attempted to invoke Senate Standing Orders 41, 52, and later Order 42 to push for Nwosu’s recognition.
However, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), who presided over the session, denied Abaribe’s request, citing procedural issues.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), argued that Abaribe’s motion was not in line with the Senate’s agenda for the day. Barau further described the proposal as “controversial,” casting doubt on whether it could proceed.
Accusations of Dictatorship
Reacting strongly, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North) expressed concerns about growing restrictions on senators’ ability to voice their opinions.
“We have been managing this Senate for a long time,” he remarked, warning against any shift towards autocratic rule.
Abaribe, visibly frustrated, countered, “We are not under a dictatorship!” He insisted that his motion was valid under Senate rules and should be heard. He referenced Order 1(b), which allows the Senate to regulate its procedures in matters not explicitly covered by the standing orders.
Senate Leadership Stands Firm
Despite Abaribe’s persistence, Barau upheld the Senate Leader’s argument, emphasizing that Order 42 only allows for personal explanations “by the indulgence of the Senate and with the leave of the President of the Senate,” adding that no controversial matters should be raised under it.
Barau further noted that Abaribe had initially cited Orders 41 and 51 before switching to Order 42, which had not been pre-approved by Senate leadership. In response, Senator Bamidele suggested that Abaribe reintroduce the motion on another legislative day, a proposal that the Senate ultimately accepted.
Nwosu’s Legacy and the Push for Recognition
Professor Humphrey Nwosu, a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey, introduced the Option A4 voting system and the Open Ballot process, which played a significant role in the 1993 elections.
Despite his contributions, the debate over officially recognizing his legacy remains unresolved.
Nwosu passed away on October 24, 2024, at the age of 83 in the United States. His burial is scheduled for March 28. Born in Ajalli, Anambra State, he earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
While efforts to immortalize him continue, the Senate remains divided on the best approach to honor his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process.
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