By Lukman Olabiyi
Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has expressed strong support for the ongoing call to immortalise the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Adams believes that Nwosu, who oversaw the 1993 June 12 Presidential Election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, deserves recognition for his pivotal role in upholding electoral integrity.
In a statement issued on Friday, Adams highlighted Nwosu’s honesty and commitment to a free and fair election that secured the mandate of the late Chief MKO Abiola, who was not declared president despite winning the poll.
Adams argued that the respect and honour Abiola received posthumously were a direct result of Nwosu’s leadership and the integrity of the election he conducted.
Adams also criticised the Senate for rejecting a motion to immortalise Nwosu, instead opting only to observe a minute’s silence in his honour.
He emphasised that if Abiola could be recognised by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, Nwosu too deserved to be immortalised in a similar manner.
He proposed that the Federal Government name a monument after Nwosu, setting a precedent for future INEC chairmen to follow in his footsteps of honesty and commitment to fair elections.
Adams urged the National Assembly to take action in recognising Nwosu’s contributions, stressing that such recognition was crucial for ensuring future elections in Nigeria are free, fair, and credible.
In addition, Adams reminded the Yoruba community of the importance of supporting Nwosu’s immortalisation, noting the broad support for Abiola from the Igbo community and the ongoing June 12 commemorations where the call for Abiola’s recognition remains strong.
Concluding his statement, Adams warned that failing to honour Nwosu would be a disservice to Nigeria and urged that the late NEC chairman’s legacy be preserved for the benefit of the nation’s democratic future. He also pointed out that opposing Nwosu’s recognition would be a betrayal of justice and fairness, principles that should unite all Nigerians.