Political correspondents of the 1990s, also known as the National Association of Political Correspondents, NAPOC 1990s, have expressed shock over the rejection by the Nigerian Senate of a motion calling for the immortalization of Professor Humphrey Nwosu.
The media veterans maintained that the lawmakers’ action was disappointing and discourages patriotic Nigerians from giving their best to the country.
They, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to honour the former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, NEC, by naming the Independent National Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Abuja after him.
“The late Chairman of the defunct NEC, Professor Humphrey Nwosu deserves a national honor, including renaming the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC after him for his commitment and dedication to an inclusive democratic process in Nigeria, especially in the 1990s” the seasoned Journalists declared in a statement in Abuja.
According to them, “having covered Professor Humphrey Nwosu and his Commission from very close quarters and witnessing his determination to ensure a successful and transparent transition to democracy and civil rule in Nigeria in the 1990s, it is imperative that the sacrifices made by Professor Nwosu be highly rewarded.”
Professor Humphrey Nwosu’s sterling contributions are contained in his book “Laying the Foundation for Nigeria’s Democracy: My account of June 12, 1993”, highlighting major electoral reforms aimed at restoring the confidence of generality of Nigerians in the electoral process.
These milestones are also well documented in NAPOC members’ book, “Nigeria’s 3rd Republic and the June 12 Debacle: Reporters’ Account”.
Through his Public Affairs Department, Professor Humphrey Nwosu launched “a vibrant voter education initiative which began with a compilation of all the laws, regulations and other relevant materials in one publication to be distributed across Nigeria. The first recipient of the publication was the media represented by its select political correspondents covering elections in the country.”
“To give flesh to the publication, titled “Laws & Materials on Nigeria’s Electoral Process (1987-1990) the Commission organized a workshop for the media correspondents from April 4th to 6th 1990 in Abeokuta, Ogun state at the instance of a NEC’s Director of Public Affairs, Professor Tonnie Iredia.”
“One of the objectives of the workshop was to create an avenue for subjecting items in the publication to thorough analysis by well-informed resource persons. The workshop was therefore largely influenced by the desire of the electoral body to throw ample light on the processes and procedures of events lined up in the transition programme. Part of the memorable features of the conference was the opportunity the gathering offered to the participants to formalize their desire for the formation of the National Association of Political Correspondents (NAPOC).”
Professor Nwosu clearly distinguished himself as the hero of the June 12 election and must be acknowledged as such.
Signed
Deba Uwadiae, Chairman, Coordinating Committee, National Association of Political Correspondents (NAPOC 1990s)
Gbenga Onayiga, Member, Board of Trustees, National Association of Political Correspondents (NAPOC 1990s)
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