By Ikeugonna Eleke
The five governors of the South-east have resolved to meet with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to request for a befitting National honour to the former National Chairman of the then National Electoral Commission (NEC), the late Prof Humphrey Nwosu.
This is coming as the former Arch Bishop of Enugu Anglican Diocese, Rt Rev Emmanuel Chukwuma, has carpeted Sen Adams Oshiomhole and the entire Senate for accusing the late Nwosu of annulling the June 12, 1993 President Election in the country.
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was with the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, who represented President Ahmed Bola Tinubu at the funeral of the late Prof Nwosu.
Soludo who spoke during the church service to mark the burial of Nwosu, said: ‘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 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, we 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,’ Soludo said.
Engr Dave Umahi for his part explained that: ‘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 Nigerian Democracy and we shall continue to cherish him and his achievements.
‘This is because he played very vital roles in the involvement of the Nigerian Democracy and governance and while we were here, the Secretary to Government of the Federation called to asked 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,’ he assured.
Also, the 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. Charles 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, the late Prof Humphrey Nwosu,’ he stated.
While delivering the homily, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma described Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s statements rejecting any honour for Prof. Nwosu as nonsensical.
‘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 the late Abiola and the 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’s highly very unfortunate and I know it is because Humphrey Nwosu is Igbo,’ he said.
