Prof. Humphrey Nwosu: Family, NHRC, Falana, Others Recount June 12 Ordeals, Unveil Center For Democracy And Human Rights In Honour 

*The unveiling of the “Professor Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights”.

—Call for credible democratic practices

Legal luminary, Femi Falana, has urged the Federal Government to stop the widespread insecurity, kidnappings and abductions in Nigeria immediately not later just as he advocated that the prevailing ransom payments and criminal integration of terrorists be stopped if the 2027 elections will take place.

He spoke as keynote speaker at the “Annual June 12 Commemoration lecture in honour of Late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, CON and the official unveiling of The Professor Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights”.

Engr. Nwosu, Son of Prof. Nwosu while delivering address on behalf of the entire Nwosu family

The theme of the event organized by the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the Professor Humphrey Nwosu center held in Abuja, was “Electoral integrity and the future of credible elections in Nigeria.”

The event was two-part, to honour Professor Nwosu for conducting the June 12, 1993 credible election and using that history to call for defending democracy, protecting free speech, ensuring accountability, and tackling insecurity in Nigeria

Late Professor Humphrey Nwosu was the architect of “Option A4 electoral process” and he conducted the first ever worldly acclaimed credible, freest, fair and generally accepted election result in Nigeria in June 12, 1993. Unfortunately, the result of the election was anualed by the then military junta led by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

Falana further urged the Federal Government to ensure enforcement of the Terrorism Prevention Act penalties to deal with acts of terrorism.

On transparency, he called on the Federal Government to restore publishing monthly statutory allocations and local government receipts; Promote women’s inclusion in politics by implementing policies toward parity and enforce free compulsory education and health insurance laws.

*Keynote Speaker, Falana

Falana also maintained that State suppression (court orders, arrests, sedition, Cyber Crimes Act) threatens free speech and democratic processes.

He applauded Professor Nwosu, noting that he stood for integrity courage and sacrifice.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Former Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Abdu Aboki (Rtd), described Prof. Nwosu as a great Nigerian, a patriot, more than a scholar who etched his name in the nation’s history.

He noted that Prof. Nwosu serves as a reference point for transparency, credibility and accountability.

He stressed that Nigerians must take up the challenge of ensuring that the nation’s future elections are credible and ensure that future generations must inherit better democratic practices than the present. Justice Aboki commended the initiators of the Programme.

*Ojukwu while delivering welcome address.

Also, in a welcome remark, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, said that the event honors the legacy of the late Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu, the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) who presided over the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Ojukwu explained that the central feature of the event is the formal unveiling of the Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights, an institution dedicated to preserving his democratic legacy.

According to Ojukwu, “We recognize that democracy and human rights are inseparable. Credible elections, the rule of law, civic participation, freedom of expression, equality, and accountable governance are fundamental pillars of a democratic society where human rights can flourish.

are fundamental pillars of a democratic society where human rights can flourish

Similarly, the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights seeks to deepen democratic culture through civic education, electoral reforms, advocacy, research, leadership development, youth engagement, and promotion of ethical governance.

“The Center’s vision strongly complements mandate of the Commission, and this partnership provides a valuable platform for sustained national engagement on democratic consolidation and human rights advancement.”

On his part, Later Prof. Nwosu’s Son, Engr. Nnaemeka Humphrey Nwosu, on behalf of Nwosu’s family said: “The June 12, 1993 presidential election was more than an election.

“It was a moment of hope. A moment of unity. For once, Nigerians looked beyond ethnicity, beyond religion, beyond region-and chose freely. To this day, it is recognized as the freest and fairest election in our nation’s history.

“But as we know, that moment was cut short. The annulment of that election was a painful turning point. And yet-even in that setback, something powerful was born: a new democratic consciousness.

“A belief among Nigerians that their voices matter. A belief that democracy is worth fighting for. That belief is part of the foundation of the democracy Nigeria enjoys today.

“What many may not fully see is the cost of that moment. My father lived under constant threat. There was uncertainty. There was fear. But he did not waver.

” And as his son, I did not read about this in books- I lived it. I saw it. I felt it. That courage…. that commitment to doing what is right, no matter the cost…is why we are here today.

“Today, we proudly announce the establishment of Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights-a center dedicated to advancing democratic values and serving all Nigerians.

“This Center is more than a tribute to one individual. It is a promise. A promise that the values my father stood for integrity, transparency, courage, and service will not only be remembered but practiced.

“We envision a Nigeria and Africa where democracy thrives, human rights are protected, elections are credible, and leaders serve with integrity.”

Other dignitaries who were in attendance include HRH Ebere Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom; Former Imo state governor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Former Minister, Youths and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; Dr. Bukhari Bello, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, SAN; Dr. Emeka Nwosu, Dr. Ene Obi; Dr. Sam Amadi; among others and representatives.