June 12: Southeast Governors to meet Tinubu over honouring Nwosu
.Bishop Chukwuma berates Oshiomhole, Senate
By Ndukaku Ihe
Southeast governors will soon meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the need to honour late Professor Humphrey Nwosu for his role in the validation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The move by the governors comes barely 24 hours the Nigerian Senate rejected a proposal to honor Nwosu, the former National Chairman of the then National Electoral Commission, NEC.
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo said the governors of the region would meet President Tinubu to discuss possible ways to honour Prof Nwosu whom he described as the man that gave the country the most credible election.
His words: “We must learn to change our style and devise a style of dialogue to get what we need from the government at the centre and not through fighting and attacks. For us in Anambra State and the Old Aguata Union made up of the 45 Communities in the three local government areas, we shall honour and celebrate our son.
“After the funeral, the South East Governors would meet with the President over the National honour to our brother and we are sure that he will grant us that request.”
President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister for Works, Senator David Umahi at the burial of the former electoral boss said the Federal Government has so much respect for late Nwosu.
Umahi said: “Mr President has so much value for our brother, Prof Humphrey Nwosu and in his message, we are celebrating him for his profound contributions to the Nigeria democracy and we shall continue to cherish him and his achievements.
“This is because he played a very vital role n the evolvement of the Nigeria democracy and governance and while we were here, the Secretary to Government of the Federation called to ask how we are and he told me that the family made two requests and after discussions, it would be granted and when that is done, I will communicate to your governor about the outcome.”
Governor of Abia state, Dr Alex Otti observed that” Nigeria’ is celebrating an icon of our democracy and that is why I came to join my brother, Prof Soludo to honour this great Nigerian who wrote his name in the sands of time and I pray that at the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, it would be a triumph for our brother, Late Prof Humphrey Nwosu.”
However, the Emeritus Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, Emmanuel Chukwuma in his message described Senator Oshiomhole’s statements on the honour for Nwosu as “nonsensical”
He said: “That statement by Oshiomhole is nonsensical because Humphrey Nwosu did not annul the June 12th election and former President Babangida has owned up that he annulled the election.
“Until Nigerians apologize to Late Abiola and late Humphrey Nwosu, their spirits will not rest. Again, what is happening in the North is because Nigerians are yet to apologize to Ndigbo and that is why the spirit and Igbo blood will continue to cause Boko Haram.
“Whether you honour Prof Humphrey Nwosu or not, we shall honour our own brother and for the position of the Senate, it is highly very unfortunate and I know it is because Humphrey Nwosu is Igbo.”
Bishop Of Aguata Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev Samurai Chukwudi Ezeofor at his sermon lamented what he described as the hopeless fate of the Nigerian Nation, contending that those dreams and aspirations of the country have been shattered today.
Present at the funeral include Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, former governor of Imo state, Chief Emeka Ihedioha and Sen Victor Umeh of Anambra Central District among others.
