By Chinonso Alozie

Owerri – The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement, IBN, on Friday called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to honour the late Former Chairman of the Nigeria National Electoral Commission, NEC, Professor Humphrey Nwosu.

The IBN, spokesperson Edoziuno Chukwunonso, made this call in a statement to newsmen while commenting on the late Nwosu.

Their reason was that Nwosu’s legacy who presided over the June 12, 1993 election established a democratic integrity for Nigeria, adding that it was Nwosu’s role that laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democracy day celebration.

According to Chukwunonso, he said: “The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement (IBN) and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination (IPINS) mourn the passing of one of Nigeria’s eminent electoral reformers, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Electoral Commission (NEC). Professor Nwosu, who presided over the pivotal June 12, 1993, elections, was a stalwart of democracy whose legacy must be duly honoured. His efforts to establish democratic integrity in Nigeria have left an enduring imprint on our national consciousness, a legacy that demands proper recognition.

“As NEC Chairman, Professor Nwosu courageously administered Nigeria’s June 12 elections, widely celebrated as the nation’s freest and fairest electoral process. His commitment to democracy in the face of military pressure reflects an exceptional integrity and resilience that few could match.

“Yet, despite the immense historical importance of his contributions, the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari failed to bestow upon him the honors he deserved, even after the House of Representatives unanimously urged such recognition on July 11, 2019. President Buhari’s neglect of Prof. Nwosu and the broader contributions of the Igbo people reflects a troubling legacy of discrimination, excluding deserving Igbo figures from the recognition they rightfully earned, and perpetuating a divisive narrative.”

“It is therefore imperative that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu corrects this oversight by recognizing Prof. Humphrey Nwosu’s unparalleled role in laying the foundation for Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations.

“In honoring Prof. Nwosu as a national hero, President Tinubu would not only be doing justice to the Igbo community but also upholding the democratic ideals that Nigeria claims to champion. Prof. Humphrey Nwosu’s unwavering commitment to transparency and democracy merits nothing less than the highest national honors, recognizing his place in history and inspiring future generations committed to a fair and democratic Nigeria,” he said.