Professor Humphrey Nwosu: Founding Father of June 12

Professor Humphrey Nwosu: Founding Father of June 12

Oluwaseyi Oduyela/Washington, DC

While we celebrate June 12, one man-made it possible for us all to talk about it. That man has never come up in our narratives. The person behind the success of June 12 is Professor Humphrey Nwosu.

Gen Babangida, according to Professor Omoruyi wanted to cancel the election, in fact, the dethroned Sultan of Sokoto- Dasuki, told late chief Lateef Adegbite, the Secretary General of Supreme Council of Muslims in Mecca that, that won’t be an election when Pa Lateef was rushing back home for the election. This was Alhaji Adegbite’s account it is in the newspapers.

Few days to the election Babangida summoned Prof Nwosu  to discuss the postponement of  the election because of Arthur Nzeribe’s legal issues and some other lies. Nwosu declined, he defied Babangida and went ahead without funding to conduct the elections. INEC didn’t have money for logistics, but Nwosu went ahead on June 12 with make shift centers. Elections were held under shades made from bamboos trees and palm leaves.

The election went on and the world was  amazed to see the turnout and it result of the elections.

For presiding over the freest and fairest election in the history of Nigeria, Professor Nwosu deserves same recognition people give to Abiola. Without Nwosu there won’t be June 12 to celebrate.

When people of my generation tell the story of June 12, we should note that the story is not complete without mentioning people like Professor Humphrey Nwosu. Not doing so is a disservice to those who didn’t witness the June 12 event.

It is also very interesting to note that Nwosu like Dora is Ibo and a professor.

They are intellectuals who lived up to the word INTELLECTUALS.

Professor Humphrey Nwosu, you have joined Dora Akunyili as members of my HALL OF FAME.

Thank you, Professor Nwosu for your service.