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NASS Holds Valedictory Session In Honour of Late Former Speaker Agunwa Anaekwe
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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.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making education the cornerstone of sustainable development, declaring that government will continue to invest in measures that guarantee a safe, secure and conducive learning environment capable of restoring the state’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence.
Governor Mutfwang made the declaration through the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Pyam Gang, while declaring open the 4th Man O’ War Nigeria National Camping Exercise in Jos.
The week-long programme, holding from August 9 to 15, 2026, at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, is themed “Strengthening Community-Based Safe School Framework for a Secure and Resilient Nigeria,” with the sub-theme “Building Safer Schools Through Partnership, Preparedness and Collective Responsibilities.”
Describing the initiative as timely and strategic, the governor disclosed that the Plateau State Government is set to train one thousand security personnel who will be deployed to school communities across the state to strengthen safety and enhance the protection of students, teachers and educational facilities.
He noted that the initiative forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to rebuild confidence in the education sector and create an atmosphere where learning can thrive without fear.
Governor Mutfwang stressed that quality education cannot flourish in an atmosphere of insecurity, adding that his administration remains determined to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that every child in Plateau State has access to safe and inclusive learning spaces.
He commended Man O’ War Nigeria and the Safe School Initiative for championing practical solutions aimed at addressing security challenges confronting schools across the country.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Safe School Initiative Nigeria, Hajia Halima Ibrahim, said the camping exercise was designed to strengthen the resilience of host communities in protecting schools from security threats.
She described Man O’ War Nigeria as a critical implementation partner whose nationwide presence and grassroots structure have positioned it to drive the objectives of the Safe School Initiative across the federation.
In his remarks, the National Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, Adedamola Gbenga, explained that the exercise is a national capacity-building programme intended to equip coordinators from all the 774 Local Government Areas of the country with the knowledge, skills and practical strategies required to support the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative.
He expressed optimism that participants would return to their various communities better prepared to promote school safety, assuring parents and the public that the training would contribute significantly to creating more secure learning environments ahead of the new academic session.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Safe School Coordinator, Brigadier General G. Shipi (Rtd.), described the collaboration between government agencies and Man O’ War Nigeria as both timely and strategic.
He urged participants to effectively utilise the knowledge acquired during the training to strengthen community-based security structures and foster safer school environments across Nigeria.
The opening ceremony attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, academics, traditional rulers and other partners committed to advancing school safety and improving educational security nationwide.
As preparations intensify for the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, the Nigeria Police Force has urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies, security concerns and other election-related incidents through designated contact lines.
The public can reach the police through the following numbers:
📞 DIG Election: 08139235585
📞 CP Election: 08134277587
📞 Control Room: 08108756818
Members of the public who wish to report cases of police misconduct can contact the Complaint Response Unit on:
📞 08057000001
📞 08057000002
📞 08057000003
The police urged residents to remain vigilant, peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that timely reporting of incidents would help security agencies respond effectively and maintain a safe environment before, during and after the election.
Your voice matters. Report promptly. Stay peaceful. Help keep Osun safe.
Major Candidates in Osun Governorship Election
The 2026 Osun State Governorship Election is shaping up as a closely contested race, with 14 candidates on the ballot. However, the contest has largely centred on three major candidates — Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam.
Ademola Adeleke — Accord Party
Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election for a second term as governor of Osun State.
Adeleke, who won the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is now contesting under the Accord Party.
His campaign is anchored on his administration’s record in office, with the governor seeking to retain the state’s top political position for another four years.
Bola Oyebamiji — APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is represented by Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Oyebamiji emerged as the APC candidate and is regarded as one of the strongest challengers to Adeleke.
The APC is banking on its political structure and support base across the state to return the party to power in Osun.
Najeem Salaam — ADC
Najeem Salaam, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is another prominent contender in the election.
Salaam is a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and has considerable political experience in the state.
His candidacy has also attracted attention as the ADC seeks to strengthen its presence in Osun and across the country ahead of the wider political contests leading to the 2027 general elections.
The Three-Way Contest
With the election approaching, the race is increasingly being viewed as a three-way contest involving Adeleke, Oyebamiji and Salaam, although other candidates are also participating.
The election will therefore test the strength of the incumbent governor’s political machinery, the APC’s efforts to reclaim Osun and the ADC’s growing influence in the state’s political landscape.
With voters across the state expected to decide who will govern Osun for the next four years, security, voter turnout, electoral integrity and the ability of the candidates to mobilise supporters peacefully are expected to be critical factors in determining the outcome.
The Nigerian Army has opened applications for eligible Nigerians seeking commission into the force under the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027.
The Army announced the commencement of the recruitment exercise in a statement released on Tuesday, saying the application is open to qualified civilians and serving military personnel who meet the required conditions.
Successful applicants will undergo training and, upon commissioning, serve as SSCC officers in the Combat Arms, including the Infantry and Armour Corps, as well as Combat Support Arms comprising the Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Intelligence Corps.
Prospective applicants are required to visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal at nashortservice.army.mil.ng and select the SSCC option.
Applicants are expected to carefully follow the instructions provided on the portal when completing their applications.
The Nigerian Army urged members of the public to disregard any recruitment portal or announcement claiming that applications were opened before the official publication.
The Army also advised prospective applicants to rely only on information published through its official channels.
Applicants and members of the public were further encouraged to watch for official recruitment jingles on television and radio stations following the announcement.
The deadline for applications is Saturday, October 17, 2026.
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