The House of Representatives has held a valedictory session in honour of former Speaker, Mr. Agunwa Anaekwe, in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth and legislative development.
The late Anaekwe, who served as Speaker between 1992 and 1993 during the Third Republic, was remembered as a man of principle, courage, and integrity, whose leadership helped stabilise the House at a time of political uncertainty.
In his opening remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, described the session as a rare honour accorded to an exceptional parliamentarian whose life and service strengthened the legislative institution
Speaker Abbas said; “This honour is not symbolic alone; it confirms that our history acknowledges those who strengthened the legislature through integrity rather than ambition. The late Agunwa Anaekwe did not merely occupy the office of Speaker, he accepted the challenge of leadership with humility, discipline, and a deep sense of service.”
He noted that Anaekwe’s leadership style combined fairness, restraint, and conviction at a time when the legislature functioned amid tensions between civilian politicians and the military establishment.
Mr. Abbas added that “Mr. Anaekwe’s body lying in state within the National Assembly was a mark of distinction reserved for leaders whose contributions left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio who was represented by Senator Muhammed Monguno, recalled Anaekwe’s courage in standing up to the military regime during the 1990s, when decrees were enacted to curtail legislative powers.
Akpabio said that Anakwe “stood firmly against dictatorial tendencies” when the military sought to limit the National Assembly’s power to legislate on all matters concerning national peace, order, and good governance.
“The late Agunwa Anakwe, as Speaker, not only preached the gospel of democracy but championed it by leading the House to reject an obnoxious and draconian decree that sought to cripple legislative independence,” he said.
Akpabio further recounted how Anakwe sponsored a delegation to the 1993 Commonwealth Conference in Cyprus to challenge the legitimacy of Chief Ernest Shonekan’s interim government, insisting that the National Assembly remained the true representative of the Nigerian people.
In his remarks, former Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, described Anaekwe as “a dove with the heart of a lion,” praising his ability to navigate one of the most volatile political periods in Nigeria’s history.
Dogara said; “He led the House in an era when political life was short, poor, nasty, and brutal. Yet, he managed to stand firm with wisdom, calmness, and courage.
“He will be remembered not for what he kept, but for what he gave — his service, his values, and his example.”
Speaking on behalf of the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, described Anakwe as a man of character who helped to define parliamentary leadership in Nigeria.
He said; “At just 36, he bore the weight of a young democracy on his shoulders.
“He understood that politics is not an occupation but a calling to serve the public good. His fidelity to democratic ideals earned him the respect of colleagues and country alike.”
Kalu emphasised that Anakwe’s brief but impactful tenure as Speaker remains a reference point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
The Deputy Speaker also extended the condolences of the House to Anakwe’s family, the people of Anambra State, and the wider Nigerian community, praying for God’s comfort and mercy upon his soul.
A member of the National Burial Committee, Senator Osita Izunaso, recalled Anaekwe’s role in defending democracy during one of Nigeria’s most difficult political periods.
“He fought and defended democracy when we had a near anarchy. The military at the executive level and the politicians at the National Assembly. When the military struck on November 17, 1993, he was determined to reconvene the House of Representatives. That determination led to the instant dissolution of the National Assembly,” Senator Izunaso said .
He described the late Speaker as a firm believer in national unity and one of the key figures who coordinated the June 12, 1993 presidential election efforts in southern Nigeria, which overwhelmingly supported late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
Speaker Abbas, in closing, prayed that Anaekwe’s example would continue to guide future generations of lawmakers.
The Speaker also announced that the House would immortalise all former presiding officers by naming halls in the National Assembly Complex after them.
In her response on behalf of the the family, the deceased daughter, Mrs. Ijeoma Obiagwu thanked the House for the valedictory session and the kind words spoken about her father.
Born in 1959, Agunwa Anakwe made history as Nigeria’s youngest Speaker of the House of Representatives at age 36, leading the legislature from December 1992 until the military coup of November 1993 dissolved the democratic institutions of the Third Republic.
His legacy as a steadfast democrat and advocate for legislative independence continues to inspire generations of lawmakers.
He died at the age of 69. His remains has been taken to Anambra State for burial after the National Assembly’s final honours.