The Coalition for the Immortalisation of a True Nigerian Hero and Legend has urged President Bola Tinubu to recognise the remarkable contributions of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu to Nigeria’s democratic evolution and honour him with a national award.
Prof. Nwosu, who passed away in October 2024 at the age of 83, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Ajali, Orumba Local Government Area, Anambra State, on 28 March 2025, as announced by his family. Also, a Night of tribute will be held in Abuja on the 25th of this month.
The coalition highlighted Prof. Nwosu’s legacy of selflessness and courage, which they believe has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
As the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Nwosu oversaw Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule under then-Military President General Ibrahim Babangida, who governed from August 1985 until stepping aside in August 1993. The election conducted under Nwosu’s leadership is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible military-era election, earning local and international acclaim.
Speaking at the Lagos State Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), executive director of the Citizens Network for Stability and Justice, Collins Steve Ugwu, said: “We urge President Tinubu to boldly reward the delicate and elaborate selflessness of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu by bestowing upon him a deserving national award, such as the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) or Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).”
Ugwu, who also proposed naming a national monument, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja, after Prof. Nwosu, added, “This would truly show that there was once a great Nigerian who served with exemplary courage, purpose, and fortitude.”
While suggesting naming a prominent road or the National Freedom Park in the Federal Capital City in his honour, the coalition further advocated for Prof. Nwosu’s name to be intentionally associated with the national celebration of June 12 as Democracy Day.
“If you continue to cut and celebrate a special cake of history without properly mentioning the designer, it will remain a celebration denied of soul and purity,” Ugwu asserted.
He expressed confidence that President Tinubu could address this “sore outrage” and elevate the significance of June 12 as a unifying and inclusive act of national value.
Public affairs and policy analyst Mazi Chris Maduka emphasised the need for the government to incentivise good deeds. He urged Tinubu to honour Nwosu as a testament to a true Nigerian who served the country selflessly.
