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…as Speaker Abbas describe him as steward of democratic norms

….resolve to immortalize Anaekwe, all former Speakers from inception to date

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives held a valedictory session in honour of late former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Agunwa Anekwe, describing him as “a Steward of Democratic Norms” and recognising his contributions to development of Nigeria’s democracy and legislative history.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the solemn session, also asdured that the House will immortalise former presiding officers who have died by meeting rooms and halls in the House of Representatives after them.

Naijablitznews.com reports that late Rt. Hon. Anaekwe, who served as Speaker between 1992 and 1993 in the Third Republic, was remembered by his colleagues both serving and former members as a man of principle, courage, and integrity, whose leadership helped stabilise the House at a time of political uncertainty.

In his opening address, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas, said the session was a rare honour accorded to an exceptional parliamentarian whose life and service strengthened the legislative institution.

Hesaid: “This honour is not symbolic alone; it confirms that our history acknowledges those who strengthened the legislature through integrity rather than ambition.

“Right Honourable Agunwa Anekwe did not merely occupy the office of Speaker — he accepted the challenge of leadership with humility, discipline, and a deep sense of service”.

According to Speaker Abbas, late Hon. 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”.

He stated that late 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”

“He recognised that the strength of a legislature lies not in power for its own sake, but in the responsible exercise of authority.

“He demonstrated that even in turbulent times, legislative order can be preserved through patience and institutional loyaltyy,” Abbas added.

Former lawmaker and Chairman National Burial Committee, Senator Osita Izunaso, recalled Anekwe’s role in defending democracy during one of Nigeria’s most difficult political periods.

Senator Izunaso said the late Speaker as a strict believer in national unity and a key figures who coordinated the June 12, 1993 presidential election efforts in southern Nigeria, which overwhelmingly supported late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

He said: “He fought and defended democracy when we had a near diarchy — 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.

“He fought for June 12 and defended that mandate. He stood for democracy even when it was risky to do so,” he stated.

In his tribute, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, said the late former Speaker, hailed from Adazi Ani in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, and described him as a man of peace and humility whose life reflected integrity both in politics and in private service.

“He became Speaker at the age of 36 — a gentleman in politics, never associated with controversy. He built bridges across regions and pursued nation building with sincerity and moderation. Our people revere him as a man of peace and principle,” Umeh said.

He narrated how Anekwe was pivotal in the formation and leadership of several political movements in Anambra State, including his time as interim chairman of the Action Congress (AC), which later evolved into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“He managed the party with humility and built a solid political foundation that produced future leaders,” he said. “Even when political godfathers tried to derail democracy in our state, Agunwa stood firm for the people.”

Representing the President of Senate, Senator Muhammed Monguno, who served for 5 terms jn the House before moving to the Senate, recalled Anakwe’s courage in standing up to the military regime during the 1990s, when decrees were enacted to curtail legislative powers.

Monguno said 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 Honourable 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,” Monguno said.

He 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.

“We addressed a world press conference declaring that Chief Ernest Shonekan was an imposition on Nigerians and that the National Assembly held the legitimate mandate of the people,” he added.

In his remarks, former Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, described Anakwe 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.

“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,” Dogara said. “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, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described Anakwe as a man of character who helped to define parliamentary leadership in Nigeria.

“At just 36, he bore the weight of a young democracy on his shoulders,” Kalu said. “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 emphasized that Anakwe’s brief but impactful tenure as Speaker remains a reference point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

“While institutions endure, it is men of character who give them life, meaning, and legitimacy,” he stated. “We honour him best by ensuring that this House continues to act with discipline, unity, and devotion to national interest.”

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.

Born in 1959, Rt. Hon. 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.

Lawmakers and former colleagues described the late Speaker as a stabilising force who combined intellect with integrity, leaving a legacy of moderation and patriotism.

Speaker Abbas, in closing, prayed that Anekwe’s example would continue to guide future generations of lawmakers.

“May history record that he served with restraint, conviction, and purpose. May his memory continue to inspire this House and all who believe in democracy,” Abbas said.

The late Rt. Hon. Agunwa Anekwe, was born in 1956, died atd the age of 69. His remains will be taken to Anambra State for burial after the National Assembly’s final honours.