A motion to immortalize the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu sparked intense controversy in the Senate on Wednesday, resulting in a heated exchange among lawmakers before being ultimately rejected.
The motion, raised by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and co-sponsored by members of the minority caucus, primarily from the South-East, sought to honor Prof. Nwosu for his contributions and defense of the democratic electoral process during the 1993 presidential elections.
However, as Abaribe began presenting the motion, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised a point of order, arguing that lawmakers had not received copies of the motion, which he claimed violated Senate rules. Abaribe countered that the documents were available, leading to a tense disagreement in the chamber.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, presiding over the session, acknowledged the controversy surrounding the motion, noting that public opinion on Prof. Nwosu’s role in the annulled June 12, 1993, election remained divided. He pointed out that some viewed him as part of the annulment, while others saw him as a democracy hero.
When the motion was put to a voice vote, the ‘nays’ prevailed, rejecting the proposal. Attempts by Abaribe to reintroduce the motion under different procedural orders were blocked by Bamidele, further escalating tensions.
Frustrated, Abaribe questioned the rejection, asking, “What is wrong with this motion? What is wrong with immortalizing Prof. Nwosu?”
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, who supported Abaribe, cautioned against suppressing important issues, warning that failing to allow open discussion could set a dangerous precedent.
Jibrin, however, pointed out inconsistencies in Abaribe’s procedural approach and advised him to resubmit the motion on the next legislative date.
South-East Senators, including Patrick Ndubaeze and Victor Umeh, expressed strong displeasure with the rejection. Umeh, visibly frustrated, slammed the table, demanding answers.
In protest, Senator Abaribe walked out of the chamber.
