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The leadership of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has called for the recognition of the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, NECON, Professor Humphrey Nwosu.
In a statement made available to our reporter in Taraba State, on Saturday, by the deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Conference, James Ezema, the group which cited the critical roles played by Nwosu in the June 12, 1993 presidential election, said he deserves to be recognized just as the way winner of the election, late Chief MKO. Abiola is presently being recognized.
Crediting Nwosu’s leadership and his introduction of the Option A4 voting system, the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was conducted by Nwosu, according to CNPP, served as a turning point in the nation’s democratic journey.
Highlighting his role in the country’s democratic history, they said his courageous decision to oversee the June 12 election, created ground for the present Democracy Day celebrations in Nigeria.
“Without his daring decision to conduct an election that has become a beacon of hope, there would be no June 12 to mark on our calendars,” part of the statement read.
CNPP stressed the importance of inclusivity and expressed concern at the alleged exclusion of Nwosu from the list of heroes presently being recognized and celebrated in Nigeria.
They said, “It is time to transcend petty biases and to embrace the spirit of inclusivity that Professor Nwosu’s legacy warrants.”
The leadership of the CNPP also asked political leaders to as a matter of urgency align their actions with the ideals of unity and the brotherhood promoted by the country’s national anthem.
The alleged neglect of Nwosu, as opined by the CNPP, raises questions about the role of ethnicity in Nigeria’s national recognition, calling on the leaders to immediately correct the alleged disparity.
They said there is a need to ensure that all persons who contribute to the nation’s democracy are honoured, irrespective of their backgrounds, which they believe has become necessary.
Nwosu who was appointed by the former military President Ibrahim Babangida as the chairman of NECON from 1989 to 1993, it would be recalled, conducted the 1993 election which was adjudged the best election in the country.
