The Senator representing Ogun Central of Ogun State at the national assembly Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has vehemently opposed proposition to immortalize Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Penpushing reports that Salisu who delivered a passionate rebuke on the Senate floor, argued that such an honour would be a grave insult to the memory of Chief Moshood Abiola and the enduring pain caused by the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
The federal lawmaker who hails from Abeokuta, hometown of the late Abiola contrasted the Nwosu proposition with the recent, uncontested celebration of the late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, emphasizing the stark difference in public sentiment.
‘A few months ago, this hallowed chamber celebrated the late Doctor Ogbonnaya Onu. It was unanimous. Today, I speak as a senator representing the memory of MKO Abiola, and we’re even discussing how this brings back the pain of the loss for Nigerians from Ogun Central Senatorial District’, he stated
Penpushing further reports that he asserted that honouring anyone involved in the annulment, which he directly linked to Abiola’s death, would diminish the already insufficient recognition given to the late political leader.
The Egba born Senator made it clear that his opposition was not rooted in regional bias, declaring, if the late former chairman of the defunct National Independent Commission (INEC) come from his (Salisu) homestead and participated in the June 12, 1993 debacle he would speak against him
“If Humphery Nwosu were to come from Ogun Central, if indeed it was to come from Abeokuta, anyone who participated in the June 12th debacle, regardless of the part of the country, including Abeokuta, I would stand up to speak against such a person.”
Penpushing also reports that he highlighted the deep-seated resentment towards those involved in the annulment, even within the South West, stressing that they are not forgiven till date
“You also know that even people from South West who were accomplices in the June 12th saga, they have not been forgiven till tomorrow. Even if they were brought here, I will speak against them’, he declared.
Penpushing reports that Salisu characterized the debate as a dangerous attempt to rewrite history, warning of the negative message it would send to younger generations, and expressed concern that it would suggest that one can be celebrated if his or her courage failed, as well if you do common things uncommonly bad.
The Senator implored his colleagues that the best they could do was to honour late Nwosu with one minute silence, arguing that to do anything further would amount to rubbish the memory of the winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the very best you can do may be just one minute. But to attempt to do anything further would be to rubbish the memory of M.K.O Abiola and to add insult to injury.”
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