Why is it that in all the celebration of June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria, no mention is being made of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the man who midwifed the general election of 1993 that is still being hailed as the freest and fairest in the country so far?
This is Nigeria-born, United States of America (USA)-based Physician, Boris Emeka Oji’s question.
Dr. Oji, in a statement, contended that if the man who was declared the winner of that historic election, Chief MKO Abiola and other actors in the June 12 saga are being venerated and rewarded in one way or the other, the man who conducted the elections and stood his grounds against all odds in defence of the verdict of the electoral commission under his leadership should likewise be recognized, celebrated and rewarded for his patriotic and heroic service to the nation.
According to Dr. Oji, Professor Nwosu, Chairman of the then National Electoral Commission (NEC), appointed by then military President Ibrahim Babangida, conducted the election and declared the results “even at great risk to his life under a military dictator,” before the declared results were annulled.
Oji, therefore, insists that Nwosu’s heroism and patriotism should be likewise recognized and rewarded in the interest of justice and fairness and to encourage others who find themselves in similar positions to do the right thing whatever the odds maybe and notwithstanding whose ox is gored in the process.
Nwosu was born on October 2, 1941 and became a Professor of Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He was appointed NEC chairman in 1989 after his predecessor (and former mentor) Eme Awa resigned due to a disagreement with Babangida.
Nwosu conducted the June 12, 1993, election using the then novel Option A4 Open ballot voting system.
