Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a top Igbo socio-cultural group, has criticized the Nigerian Senate for refusing to honor the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former head of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The group believes this decision shows that the discrimination against the Igbo people, which began during the Nigerian Civil War, is still ongoing.

In a statement issued by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze condemned the Senate’s stance, calling it unpatriotic and unjust.

They argue that Professor Nwosu played a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic history, particularly in the June 12, 1993, election, which is widely regarded as the most transparent in the country’s history.

During that election, Chief Moshood Abiola emerged as the winner, and both former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu later recognized June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. Ohanaeze believes it is unfair to honor Abiola without recognizing Nwosu, who made the election possible.

The group expressed disappointment that the Senate rejected a proposal to rename the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters after Nwosu. They commended Southeast senators who walked out in protest of the decision on March 27, 2024, calling their actions a strong stand for justice.

Ohanaeze also called on President Bola Tinubu and Southeast governors to step in and ensure Nwosu is honored. They believe this would help heal divisions and acknowledge the contributions of Igbo leaders to Nigeria’s democracy.

The group urged all Nigerians to support their demand for justice, stating that recognizing Nwosu’s legacy is not just about the Igbo people but about fairness, democracy, and national unity.