Nwosu’s death a great loss, says Tinubu

Daniel Adaji, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has described the passing of Professor Humphery Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, as a great loss to the nation. Tinubu extended his condolences to Nwosu’s family, the government, and the people of Anambra State, acknowledging the late professor’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Speaking during the funeral service at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Senator Nweze Umahi, paid tribute to Nwosu’s legacy in shaping Nigeria’s electoral process.

“I consider his death as a great loss not only to the people of Anambra State but also to the entire nation, having impacted Nigeria in different capacities, especially his national service as the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission,” he stated.

Highlighting Nwosu’s role in the evolution of Nigeria’s democratic governance, the President called on Nigerians to uphold the late professor’s values of integrity, industry, and patriotism.

“As we mourn the death of Prof. Humphery Nwosu, we are invited to celebrate him for his profound accomplishments and personal fulfilments as a public administrator, political scientist, and academic icon. We are urged to reflect on his democratic ideals and his sense of commitment to a democratic Nigeria. These are the hallmarks of his life and times that will be cherished beyond this generation,” he added.

He also reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to economic growth and democratic consolidation.

“May I assure Nigerians that the fragile economy we inherited is now alive and on a path of sustainable growth. We have overcome the worst. Our democracy is growing, and I assure Nigerians that my administration will continue to deepen the democracy benefits for the good of all Nigerians,” he emphasised.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, also paid tribute to Nwosu, recognizing his significant contributions to Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly his introduction of the Option A4 voting system and the open ballot system, which were widely regarded as major steps toward credible elections in the country.

“Prof. Nwosu will be remembered as an electoral umpire who conducted one of the freest and fairest general elections in Nigeria’s history. I urge his family, community, and associates to continue to work to sustain the values that depict his life and times,” Soludo said.

The funeral was attended by several dignitaries, including Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Victor Umeh, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South East, Chioma Nweze, among others.

Tinubu urged Nwosu’s family and admirers to honor his legacy by upholding his democratic values.

“Once again, I commiserate with all the members of the bereaved family, and I urge them and indeed all lovers of his democratic ideals to continue to make him proud even in death by exhibiting a sense of industry, integrity, patriotism, and support for our democracy, which were the core values that depicted his life and times. May his soul rest in peace,” he stated.