By George Ozalla
Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has urged the Federal Government to immortalize Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). Ojukwu made this appeal at a tribute in honor of Nwosu, organized by friends and associates as part of activities for the late Nwosu’s funeral.
Many others who spoke in support of immortalizing Nwosu include former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka, former Executive Secretary of the NHRC Dr. Bukhari Bello, and Chief Simon N. Okeke, former Chairman of Police Service Commission and Chairman Anambra State Public Officers and Elders Forum (ASPOF).
The event was attended by dignitaries including Honorable Beni Lar, Dr. ABC Orjiakor, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku, Prof. Nwosu’s widow, Dame Stella Nwosu, their children and in-laws, friends, associates, and well-wishers.
Ojukwu eulogized late Prof. Nwosu for his good stewardship and high level of integrity during his time as NEC Chairman. He noted that Nwosu was kind-hearted and took the welfare of his staff seriously. Ojukwu further stated that Nwosu exhibited rare courage and patriotism when he insisted on conducting the June 12 election despite the military authorities’ desire to abort it.
Ojukwu suggested naming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters after late Prof. Nwosu as a way of immortalizing him.
Professor Attahiru Jega, in his opening remarks, expressed joy at being honored to chair the occasion. He described late Prof. Nwosu as a great soul who worked patriotically for Nigeria’s democracy and development. Jega stated that Nwosu’s courage and uncompromising stance as NEC chairman helped restore the integrity of professors in Nigeria.
Hon Secretary to INEC Mrs Rose Omoa Orarian-Anthony described late Prof Nwosu as a genius, mentor and boss who was too caring and supportive of staff to put in their best in service. She further stated that Prof Nwosu was the one who created permanent staff status for the commission and jettisoned ad hoc staff.
According to former Minister of Aviation Chief Osita Chidoka, Prof. Nwosu had exceptional courage to do the right thing in a difficult country like Nigeria. Chidoka aptly described Nwosu as an architect of hope who crafted and implemented innovations that reduced manipulation and electoral malpractices.
Chairman of the planning committee, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, said Prof. Nwosu “reminds us what Nigeria could be,” noting that the former NEC Boss knew the difference between night and day. “He bequeathed courage to generations,” Ihedioha remarked.
Prof. Nwosu died late last year at the age of 83 and will be buried on Friday, March 28, in his hometown of Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
