Senate’s rejection of Nwosu’s honour sparks Igbo backlash

Sanni Marvelous

The decision of the Nigerian Senate to reject a posthumous honour for Professor Humphrey Nwosu has been met with outrage from the Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Credit: Online

The group, led by Chief Omenazu Jackson, has condemned the Senate’s action as a continuation of systemic marginalization against the Igbo people.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo described the Senate’s refusal to recognize Professor Nwosu, the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), as an “unpatriotic” move that highlights an ongoing civil war against the Ndigbo in governance.

A continuation of systemic marginalization against the Igbo people

Nwosu was the electoral umpire who oversaw the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as the most credible election in Nigeria’s history. The election saw Chief Moshood Abiola emerge as the winner before it was annulled.

“Until our social and civic relationship in Nigeria is deepened into oneness of heart and one nationhood. Finding an egalitarian society where all will live in true harmony will utterly be a mirage,” Omenazu said.

Nwosu was the electoral umpire who oversaw the June 12, 1993, presidential election

The Senate’s rejection of the bill, which sought to rename the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in honour of Nwosu, led to a dramatic protest.

On March 27, 2027, Southeast senators and their allies staged a walkout, expressing their discontent with the decision. Ohanaeze Ndigbo praised their actions, calling it a principled stand against historical injustice.

“Men who fail to recognize the meaningful input of others, inadvertently fail to recognize theirs. History is always with an untainted telescope,” he added.

Men who fail to recognize the meaningful input of others, inadvertently fail to recognize theirs

The group has now turned its call towards President Bola Tinubu and Southeast governors, urging them to take decisive action to honour Nwosu’s legacy. They argue that the responsibility to immortalize national icons should not be left solely in the hands of the Senate, especially when the legislature fails to act justly.

Ohanaeze further criticized what they called a “troubling hierarchy of hypocrisy,” pointing out that while Chief Abiola has been honoured with Democracy Day, Nwosu, who played a crucial role in the election, has been neglected.

Prof Humphrey Nwosu

“The continued refusal to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Professor Nwosu and others like Ernest S. Ikoli, who fought for Nigeria’s independence through journalism, is an affront to the ideals of democracy and unity,” the group stated.

Until our social and civic relationship in Nigeria is deepened into oneness of heart and one nationhood

Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed that immortalizing Nwosu would serve as a crucial step toward national healing and inclusivity.

They called on all Nigerians to support their demand for recognition of those who have significantly contributed to the country’s democratic journey.

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