…UNILAG, LASU, labour, others  mourn

By Emmanuel Aziken, Dayo Adesulu & Abdulwahab Abdullah

Abubakar Momoh, prominent Nigerian civil society leader and Director General of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Electoral Institute, has died.

Momoh, a professor, who sat on the board of several non-governmental organisations, died early yesterday, his associates said.

His associate and lawyer, Abdul Mahmoud, confirmed the development.

“It’s true, I have just spoken to his brother-in-law,” he wrote on his Facebook Page.

Until his death, Abubakar was the dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Lagos State University, LASU. “Abubakar obtained PhD in political theory and began his lecturing career in 1988,” his profile published by the African Leadership Centre, says.

He has served on various boards and scientific committees, including those of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa.

Late Prof. Abubakar Momoh of National Electoral Institute

UNILAG, LASU, others  mourn

LASU, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD),  National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, (NUTGTWN) and Labour, yesterday lamented the death of Prof. Momoh, noting his lifelong service to the promotion of humanity.

They lauded what they described as his laudable contributions to academia and democracy through persistent advocacy and public outcry for social justice and good governance.

The statement jointly signed by Auwal Musa  and Idayat Hassan, the executive directors of CISLAC and CDD said: “As a founding member of CISLAC, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and other Civil Society Organisations, Prof. Momoh had excelled by voluntarily offering holistic and tremendous supports for the establishment and sustenance of the Centres.

Labour too

National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, while reacting in a statement by its President and General Secretary, John Adaji and Issa Aremu, respectively, said:  “It is with heavy heart we pay tribute to Professor Abubakar Momoh, Director General of The Electoral Institute of Independent National Electoral Commission, who reportedly died in Abuja this morning, 29th of May. Africa and Nigeria have indeed lost an intellectual democrat on a Democracy Day.

On her part, former Assistant Editor, Labour, Vanguard Newspaper, Mrs Funmi Komolafe-Jolaosho in her tribute said: ‘’So sad! Just got the news of the sudden demise of our friend and Comrade, Professor Abubakar Momoh, a prince of Auchi, he was an intellectual with distinction.

Textile union in particular has lost a friend, a resource fellow and an activist of the labour movement. We recall that with his singular support as the Director General of The Electoral Institute of Independent National Electoral Commission, last year, Professor assisted in improving on the political literacy of our members. May Almighty Allah grant him rest.”

‘’He largely contributed to their present tracked records in advocacy for transparency, accountability and good governance within and outside Nigeria.

“Serving as Director-General of the Electoral Institute of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he was at the forefront advocating for free, fair, credible and participatory electoral system through research, capacity building for the staff of the Commission, and engagement of vigorous voter education activities.

“Also, as the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Lagos State University, LASU and member of Executive of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Momoh was prominent for his doggedness in maintaining high level integrity and professionalism, and selfless defence of staff and students’ welfares, as well as strictly adherence to ethical standard on addressing issues that affected staff and students.

“CISLAC and CDD are presently consulting the immediate family of the deceased and will announce a public event in honour of the great scholar.”

In her reaction to Momoh’s death, Professor Ngozi Osarenren, from the University of Lagos said: ‘’Still in shock at the shattering news of your death Prof Abubakar Momoh . May Allah grant you peace as you are buried in Auchi today (Monday) at 4pm 29th May 2017. My friend, brother and comrade.

On her part, former Assistant Editor, Labour, Vanguard Newspaper, Mrs Funmi Komolafe-Jolaosho in her tribute said: ‘’So sad! Just got the news of the sudden demise of our friend and Comrade, Professor Abubakar Momoh who was until his death a director at the National Electoral College. A prince of Auchi, he was an intellectual with distinction.

Though a prince, he identified with the struggles of the working people and down trodden. He was a master of the English Language. He was a former head of political science at the Lagos state University. He has to his credit many lectures on the emancipation of the down trodden. My generation has lost a star. We are grieved. May his soul Rest In Peace. May the Lord comfort his wife and young children. His death is a big loss to the nation.

He was the national treasurer of the Academic Staff Union of Universities between 1991 and 1995.

He has been a researcher and lecturer at many universities across the world, including being visiting research fellow, Institute of Development Studies, University of Helsinki, Finland; fellow, Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University, Sweden.

Mr. Momoh has also been on several technical teams of the African Union Commission, and most recently was involved in designing the African Governance Architecture and elections bench-marking for the African Union.

He has also served as an election observer to several African countries on behalf of ECOWAS and African Union. He has also served as an election observer to some European countries.