Senate Bid to Honor Humphrey Nwosu Stalls Over Procedural Hurdle

An attempt by 15 senators to urge the federal government to immortalize Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), hit a roadblock in the Senate on Wednesday due to procedural objections.

The motion, spearheaded by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), sought to recognize Nwosu for his pivotal role in overseeing the June 12, 1993, presidential election—widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s fairest and most transparent polls. The election, which saw MKO Abiola emerge as the presumed winner, ultimately led to the adoption of June 12 as Democracy Day.

Abaribe, citing Senate Order 42, emphasized the late Nwosu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic history.

“The Senate notes that the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu was a former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from 1989 to 1993,” Abaribe stated. “He courageously defended the electoral process during the 1993 presidential election, a historic event that solidified June 12 as a symbol of democracy in Nigeria.”

However, the motion was swiftly challenged by Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who pointed out that lawmakers had not received copies of the motion—a mandatory requirement under Senate rules.

Abaribe pushed back, arguing that senators had the right to make “personal explanations” on the floor, irrespective of procedural constraints.

“Even if the Senate leader says that it doesn’t follow procedure, a senator must be given the chance to make a personal explanation. We are not under a dictatorship,” Abaribe insisted.

Bamidele, however, maintained that Senate procedures must be strictly followed unless an exception was collectively agreed upon. He reminded the chamber that legislative business had already moved forward, leaving no room for the motion’s consideration.

“As a matter of fact, by now, we are supposed to be on the second business of the day,” Bamidele argued. “Personal explanations cannot be raised at just any time unless we, by consensus, invoke Order 1(b) to regulate our procedure.”

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin upheld Bamidele’s position, ruling that the chamber should proceed with its agenda. However, he advised Abaribe to reintroduce the motion at a future legislative session.