The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has called on the Federal Government, to immortalise the late Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, NEC, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, for his heroic and patriotic acts of conducting the freest and most transparent election in Nigeria’s history on June 12,1993 which was won by late Chief MKO Abiola but annulled by the military government of that time.

Ojukwu made the call on Tuesday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, during a special event organized by committee of friends as part of activities for the funeral of Prof. Nwosu, who died in October 2024 at the age of 83 and his burial is scheduled for March 28, 2025, in his hometown of Ajali, Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Others who spoke in the same direction include former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega who was chairman of the occasion, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, who also served as Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, former Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Bukhari Bello and Chief Simon Okeke, former Chairman of Police Service Commission.

Those in attendance also include Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, River State governor and former Aviation Minister, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, Prof. Nwosu’s widow, Dame Stella Nwosu, their children and inlaws as well as hundreds of friends and well-wishers who filled the venue of the programme to the brim

Ojukwu who praised the late NEC chairman for his exemplary leadership qualities and high level of integrity, noted that Prof. Nwosu was a humanist who took the welfare of those who worked under him seriously.

He said that Nwosu exhibited exceptional courage and patriotism when he insisted on conducting the June 12 election when it was obvious that the military authorities did not want to continue with the process, saying there was a need for the government to imortalise him as a way of appreciating his sacrifices. He therefore suggested the naming of INEC headquarters after the late erudite scholar and political scientist.

Earlier in his opening remark, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said he was honoured for the invitation to chair the occasion, adding that while he was chairman of INEC, Prof. Nwosu was available when he called on him for advice, describing him as a mentor who did great work for Nigeria’s development.

Jega said as university teacher, him and his colleagues were becoming apprehensive of the activities of academic professors were at that time being used by the military to carry out selfish acts which he said were quite shameful, adding that Prof. Humphrey Nwosu’s bravery and uncompromising outing as NEC chairman, helped to restore the integrity of professors in the country.

Jega said that while the federal government delights in giving national awards to other Nigerians who served the nation in diverse areas, no INEC chairman of commissioner have been given national honour.

Speaking further Jega described Prof. Nwosu as a motivator, saying- “I solicited his advice in terms of what we must do to further develop and improve Nigeria’s electoral processes. His courage to withstand the intrigues of military leaders trying to perpetuate themselves in power, is worthy of emulation. He was a good man and meant well for our country. I feel happy and greatly honoured to chair this occasion.”

Osita Chidoka said Nwosu had exceptional courage to do the right thing in a difficult country like Nigeria, saying he was an architect of hope who designed and implemented innovations that reduced fraud and malpractices including Option A4, among others.

Chairman of the planning committee, Emeka Ihedioha, said Prof. Nwosu- “Reminds us what Nigeria could be,” saying the former NEC chairman knew the difference between night and day. “He bequeathed courage to generations,” Ihedioha said.

Apart from Prof. Jideofor Adibe who spoke at the event, goodwill messages were received from former Finance Minister and Director General of World Trade Organization, WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chimamanda Adichie and Chief Tonie Iredia who all spoke through webinar.