Ohanaeze Ndigbo has criticized the Nigerian Senate for failing to recognize and honor the contributions of the late Humphrey Nwosu, a former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).
In a statement released on Friday, March 28, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Deputy President General of the Igbo socio-cultural group, accused the 10th Senate of displaying behavior that suggests the civil war against the Igbo people is still ongoing.
His reaction came a day after some Southeast senators staged a walkout in protest against the Senate’s rejection of a motion seeking to immortalize Nwosu.
The protesting senators, led by Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia, argued that the June 12, 1993, election, which was conducted under Nwosu’s leadership, was Nigeria’s freest, fairest, and most credible election.
They also accused the Senate of bias, pointing out that even the president has acknowledged the significant role Nwosu played in the election.
Isiguzoro condemned the Senate’s decision, calling it an injustice to Nwosu and the Nigerian people.
“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 Professor 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,” Isiguzoro said.
He also praised the Southeast senators for standing firm in their demand for justice on behalf of Nwosu.
“In conclusion, the immortalization of Professor Nwosu is not merely a tribute to one 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,” he added.
