ABUJA, NIGERIA – Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central) delivered a passionate rebuke on the Senate floor, condemning the proposition to immortalize Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the National Electoral Commission. He argued that such an honour would be a grave insult to the memory of Chief MKO Abiola and the enduring pain caused by the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Salisu 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,” he stated.
“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 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.
Salisu made it clear that his opposition was not rooted in regional bias, declaring, “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.”
The senator further highlighted the deep-seated resentment towards those involved in the annulment, even within the South West. “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 affirmed.
Salisu characterized the debate as a dangerous attempt to “rewrite history,” warning of the negative message it would send to younger generations. He expressed concern that it would suggest that “you can be celebrated if your courage failed you. You can be celebrated even if you do common things uncommonly bad.”
In his concluding remarks, Senator Salisu implored his colleagues to reconsider, stating, “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.”
