DEMOCRACY DAY: The man who conducted June 12 polls, Humphrey Nwosu reacts

Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Humphrey Nwosu, who conducted the June 12, 1993 polls, has reacted to the recognition of that date as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and the decision to honour Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of that election.

Nwosu applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for having the boldness to honour the memory of Abiola, describing June 12 as a day that marked a turning point in Nigeria’s tortuous journey towards a democratic polity.

He stated this in a letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, adding that the conferment of national honours on late Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, will “rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better nation.”

“I thank His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria for recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and also honouring the winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

“Indeed, June 12, 1993 marked a turning point in Nigeria’s tortuous journey towards a democratic polity. It is an honour to the very hard-working men and women of the defunct National Electoral Commission under my leadership at this long awaited recognition. I humbly commend this action by the President.

“Undoubtedly, the democratic system of governance is the best especially for the multi ethnic nation like ours. I thank you for building on the foundation which my team and I labored strenuously to establish and actualize on June 12, 1993. It is our hope that expanding the frontiers of democracy of which all the people of Nigeria, regardless of ethnic group, will provide economic, social and developmental benefits that will certainly make Nigeria a great nation not only in Africa but across the world.

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“Certainly, the scheduled event on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 will rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better Nation. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be present at the investiture ceremony as I am outside the country,” Nwosu’s letter read.

Nwosu had claimed that he was ordered and pressurised to annul the polls by then military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, while results in several states had already been announced with Abiola in a clear lead.

 

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