The people of Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, have urged the Federal Government to confer a national honour on the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy.
The call was made by the council’s Chairman, retired Capt. Casmier Nwafor, during a commendation service organized in honour of the late electoral reformer. Nwafor emphasized that without such recognition, the significance of June 12, 1993, would hold little meaning for the people of Orumba North.
The council insisted that immortalizing Prof. Nwosu is essential and urged the Federal Government to act without delay. They specifically appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to take concrete steps to ensure his name is permanently inscribed in Nigeria’s democratic history.
As part of local efforts to honour him, the Orumba North Local Government unveiled a portrait of Prof. Nwosu at its secretariat and announced that the building would be renamed the “Prof. Sir Humphrey Nwosu Building.”
The council further urged the National Assembly to recognize Prof. Nwosu’s contributions, noting that ongoing debates over his immortalization have caused emotional distress among Nigerians who cherish the June 12 election. They called on lawmakers to reconsider their stance and bestow upon him the honour he rightfully deserves as Nigeria’s “Hero of Democracy.”
Prof. Nwosu was widely acknowledged for introducing the Option A4 voting system, which enhanced transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The council also commended Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting efforts to give Prof. Nwosu a befitting burial, stressing that a national honour would be a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Prof. Nwosu, who oversaw the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, was laid to rest last Friday. The burial was attended by notable dignitaries, including Governor Soludo and Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last general election.
