Personality in Focus
Humphrey Nwosu Dies in US, Ohanaeze Rues Non-Recognition of Ex-Electoral Commissioner
A former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (now the Independent National Electoral Commission), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu is dead.
He died at the age of 83.
Nwosu, who conducted the June 12, 1993 election annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida, served as Chairman of NEC from 1989 to 1993.
He hailed from the Ajali community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Although no official statement has been released by the family, a source close to the family said the deceased, born on October 2, 1941, died in a hospital in Virginia, United States of America in the early hours of Thursday.
The source said, “Yes, Prof died this morning in a hospital in Virginia, USA, after a brief illness. The family will soon issue a statement on it.”
He presided over the June 12, 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention.
However, the subsequent annulment of the election plunged the country into political turmoil and prolonged military rule until Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Reacting to the news in an interview, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, lamented that the deceased died without being celebrated by the country, despite his significant contributions to Nigeria’s electoral system.
The acting National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Ogene, who reacted on behalf of the body, pointed out that while the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, the late MKO Abiola, was remembered and immortalised, the late Humphrey Nwosu was never honoured.
He said, “Until his death, no one, including the Federal Government, recognised this man, despite the fact that he put his life on the line to save the country’s democracy.
“Late Humphrey Nwosu was my brother; we belong to the same Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State and as a matter of fact, he is my kinsman. It is sad that successive administrations in the country never acknowledged him, not even by naming a federal institution after him.
“There are others in his position who might have compromised, but he stood his ground and ensured that the electoral wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian masses were realized.
A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt Gen. Jeremiah Useni (retd), is dead.
He passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 after a protracted illness.
His death was announced in a statement issued in Jos by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
He described the of the former Minister and Quarter Master General of the Nigerian Army as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.
Highlighting the roles played by the late army general, Governor Mutfwang noted that he left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape with his tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.
The governor prayed that god grants the family, plateau state, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, and also asked for God’s divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Kayode Opeifa as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).
Dr. Opeifa, a renowned transportation expert and former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, is celebrated for his transformative policies that redefined public transport and traffic management in one of Africa’s busiest cities.
During his tenure as Commissioner, Dr. Opeifa introduced reforms that significantly eased traffic congestion, improved public transportation systems, and laid a solid foundation for Lagos State’s rapid urban growth.
His expertise extended to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he served as Transport Secretary, implementing forward-thinking policies that enhanced mobility in the nation’s capital.
In his new role, Dr. Opeifa is expected to spearhead the modernization of Nigeria’s railway network, a critical infrastructure component for the nation’s economic advancement.
Industry stakeholders have expressed optimism about his appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in transportation planning and infrastructure development as assets for implementing sustainable solutions.
“This is a timely and commendable appointment,” noted one transportation expert. “Dr. Opeifa’s deep understanding of Nigeria’s transportation challenges makes him the ideal candidate to drive meaningful reforms in the railway sector.”
The Tinubu administration’s decision underscores its commitment to appointing competent professionals to execute its Renewed Hope agenda. With Dr. Opeifa at the helm, there is growing anticipation that the NRC will achieve improved connectivity, efficiency, and broader contributions to national development.
News of the early departure of Mr Ahmad Farroukh from the telecom giant Globacom suggests that he has been eased out in a shakeup by the management, according to an investigation.
“Ahmad Farroukh failed to meet up to expectations within his probationary period and he was politely asked to resign…” said an impeccable source.
“Despite the shake-up, Globacom’s commitment to innovation and expansion continues, reinforcing its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving telecom landscape..” the source further told us.
A former CEO of MTN Nigeria from 2006 to 2010, Farroukh joined Glo in October last year.
