The motion by some senators to immortalise Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of National Electoral Commission (NEC), was stalled on Wednesday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the motion, sponsored by Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia south, sought to recognise Nwosu for overseeing the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the fairest election in Nigeria.
Citing order 42, Abaribe highlighted Nwosu’s role in the election, which led to the declaration of MKO Abiola as the presumed winner and the adoption of June 12 as Democracy Day.
He said, “The senate notes that the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu was a former national electoral commission (NEC) chairman from 1989 to 1993.”
“The senate further notes that Prof Humphrey Nwosu supervised the 1993 presidential election, aware that the courageous defence of the electoral process during the 1993 presidential election led to the famous June 12 slogan which ultimately confirmed Alhaji MKO Abiola as the winner.”
Opeyemi Bamidele, the majority leader, however objected, noting that copies of the motion had not been distributed to lawmakers, as required by senate rules.
Abaribe sought to have the issue considered under “personal explanation,” arguing that every senator should have the opportunity to be heard.
He said, “Even if the senate leader says that it doesn’t follow, by the fact that a senator wants to make a personal explanation, you must give that senator a chance to make that personal explanation, we are not under a dictatorship.”
Bamidele replied, saying such explanations must adhere to established Senate procedures unless a special exception is granted, also pointing out that the chamber had already moved on to other legislative business.
He said, “ As a matter of fact, by now, we are supposed to be on a second business of the day. So, time for matters of urgent public importance, as well as time for personal explanation has already passed.”
“Personal explanation cannot be raised at any time. The only time personal explanation can be raised at any time is if we, by our collective consensus, come under order 1 (b) to regulate our procedure.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin upheld Bamidele’s position ruled that the Senate should continue with its agenda, and advised Abaribe to reintroduce the motion at the next legislative session.
