In a latest development at the Nigerian Senate, Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra State has stepped forward to challenge what he calls an “undemocratic” attempt to block a motion honoring former electoral official Humphrey Nwosu.
During an interview with Channels TV from 13:39, Senator Umeh revealed the behind-the-scenes efforts to revive a motion initially proposed by Senator Abaribe. “After Sen. Abaribe walked out, I didn’t take it kindly, and I had to work very hard around the chambers to insist that the motion should be recalled,” Umeh stated.
The controversy began when Senate Majority Leaders raised procedural objections to the motion. Deputy Speaker Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, deemed the matter “controversial and unsuitable for discussion.”
Undeterred, Senator Umeh argued passionately for recognizing Nwosu’s contributions to Nigerian democracy. “We cannot shut down such a harmless motion that way,” he explained. “If you feel the man does not deserve to be honored, you should stand up and say so.”
The proposed motion seeks to immortalize Nwosu, with suggestions including renaming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters after him. Sen Umeh highlighted that INEC itself has expressed support for recognizing Nwosu’s role, acknowledging his significant contribution to “deepening democracy and wanting democracy to survive under a civilian dispensation.”
“Even when they went to the INEC yesterday, the INEC expressed the same sentiment that he contributed so much in deepening democracy,” Umeh added.
The fate of the motion remains uncertain, with Umeh stating, “I don’t know what will happen to it tomorrow.” However, his determination to see the motion through highlights the ongoing debate about recognizing key figures in Nigeria’s democratic history.