Kogi West Senator Sunday Karimi Speaks Out On Posthumous Recognition For Former INEC Chairman Humphrey Nwosu

Sunday Karimi Weighs In on President Tinubu's Stance

Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has made it clear that President Bola Tinubu will not bestow posthumous recognition on Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a spirited address to his colleagues at the National Assembly, Karimi expressed his puzzlement over why Tinubu should be lobbied to honor Nwosu when past presidents neglected to do so.

“Think about it this way,” Karimi passionately stated. “We had President Obasanjo in office for eight years, and he didn’t name anything after Nwosu. Then came President Yar’Adua, followed by President Jonathan, and even President Buhari. None of them took that step. Now that Nwosu is no longer with us, you're asking President Tinubu to name structures in his honor? That’s not going to happen.” His words resonated strongly, sparking debates within the legislative chambers.

INEC's Mahmood Yakubu Champions Recognition for Nwosu

On the other hand, Mahmood Yakubu, the current Chairman of INEC, delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Humphrey Nwosu, advocating for posthumous recognition. Yakubu highlighted the profound impact Nwosu had on Nigeria’s democratic journey. During his tenure from 1989 to 1993, Nwosu spearheaded groundbreaking electoral reforms. Among his notable contributions was the introduction of the Option A4 voting system and the Open Ballot System, innovations that left an indelible mark on Nigeria's electoral process.

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Yakubu emphasized that Nwosu's legacy deserves acknowledgment. “Professor Nwosu played a pivotal role in shaping our electoral landscape. His efforts during his tenure were instrumental in ensuring the credibility of our elections,” Yakubu remarked. The call for recognition has gained traction among those who believe in honoring the architects of Nigeria's democracy.

Legislative Debates Heat Up

Both chambers of the National Assembly are now embroiled in heated discussions about this issue. At the heart of the debate is the argument that since former President Muhammadu Buhari honored MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of a widely regarded credible election, it’s only fair to recognize the man who oversaw that election. Many Nigerians share this sentiment, arguing that Humphrey Nwosu deserves equal recognition for his role in ensuring the integrity of that electoral process.

The conversation around Nwosu’s recognition is not just about honoring an individual but also about acknowledging the importance of his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy. As the debate continues, the National Assembly faces the challenge of balancing respect for past leaders with the responsibility to set precedents for future generations.