Lawmakers bid farewell to Third Republic Speaker of the House of Representatives late Agunwa Anaekwe
Present and past lawmakers on Thursday converged at the green chamber of the House of Representatives to pay their final respects to late Speaker Agunwa Anaekwe during a solemn valedictory session held in his honour.
Anaekwe, who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from December 5, 1992, to November 17, 1993, passed away in July 2025 at the age of 69. His tenure was cut short when the democratic government of the Third Republic was dissolved by the military junta led by General Sani Abacha.
The session, which lasted about two hours, witnessed an outpouring of tributes from both serving and former lawmakers who described the late Aniekwe as a man of peace, integrity, and uncommon courage. Among those present were former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, former Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso who was the deputy speaker to the late Anaekwe, among other dignitaries.
Umeh: “He was a peacemaker and a nationalist”
Senator Victor Umeh, who hails from the same local government area as the late speaker, spoke emotionally of Anaekwe’s humility and selfless service.
“I want to say that my people have lost a good man, a peacemaker, somebody who was not associated with controversies,” Sen. Umeh said.
“Even though he was a politician of high repute, having served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, he was not known to be bullying anybody. In my local government, our people revere him as a man of peace and one who was passionate about his people.”
Umeh described Anaekwe as “a nationalist” who built bridges across Nigeria.
“Having been Speaker in 1992–1993, all Nigerians gathered here can attest to the fact that Right Honourable Aniekwe was a gentleman in politics. He was interested in nation building and was respected across the country for his modesty and calm leadership,” he added.
Dogara: “A dove with the heart of a lion”
In his tribute, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara reflected on Anaekwe’s calm disposition and the courage he demonstrated in leading the House during turbulent political times.
“I didn’t even meet him in this House when he served; our generations were far apart,” Dogara recalled.
“But when we formed the forum of former presiding officers, I got to know him closely. Every time I saw him, I saw a dove — only to realize later that he was a dove with the heart of a lion.”
Dogara described the early 1990s as nasty, brutish, and short, noting that politics then was fraught with treachery.
“You just imagine managing a House in those times, standing firm before a military government and holding the banner of democracy,” he said.
“He paid his dues. At moments like this, we are reminded that what is truly ours is not what we hold dear but what we give. The best way to honour his legacy is to make this House continue to serve the public good.”
Dogara also extended condolences to the Anaekwe family, urging them to take solace in the honour and respect their patriarch earned through a life of service.
Kalu: “He gave the legislature its moral compass”
Speaking on behalf of the 10th House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu paid glowing tribute to the late speaker, describing him as a man who shaped the moral compass of Nigeria’s legislature.
“It was James Freeman Clarke who said the measure of a man’s greatness is not in the number of servants he has, but in the number of people he serves,” Rep. Kalu said.
“We are gathered in solemn remembrance of a man whose life of service occupies an enduring place in Nigeria’s parliamentary history, Right Honourable Chief Agunwa Anaekwe, OFR.”
Kalu recalled that Anaekwe was only 36 years old when he became speaker in 1992, leading the House with calmness and maturity.
“When military intervention disrupted the constitutional order in November 1993, he faced that moment with composure. His response reflected a profound belief that while power may be transient, principle must be permanent,” Rep. Kalu said.
He added that Anaekwe’s leadership “combined intellect with humility, firmness with compassion, and conviction with grace,” urging present lawmakers to emulate his values.
“As we honour him today, we must do more than remember; we must learn that democracy cannot survive on laws alone — it must be nourished by the character of those who make the laws,” Rep. Kalu said.
Monguno: “He stood firm against military dictatorship”
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who served in the House during Anaekwe’s tenure, spoke on behalf of the Senate and recalled the late speaker’s courage in defending parliamentary independence during the military era.
“I vividly recall that the late Honourable Agunwa Anaekwe stood firmly against the dictatorial tendencies of the military,” Sen. Monguno said.
“When the junta enacted a decree limiting the powers of the National Assembly to legislate only on culture and antiquities, he led the House to pass a resolution rejecting it, declaring it ultra vires the principles of democracy.”
Monguno also recounted how Anaekwe empowered lawmakers to challenge the interim national government of Ernest Shonekan at an international forum in Cyprus.
.He urged current lawmakers to “jealously guard and protect” legislative autonomy, describing it as the most fitting way to honour the memory of the late speaker.
“In this world, there is a time to come and a time to say goodbye. In between is the time to serve,” he said. “Agunwa Anaekwe came, served, and served well to the glory of God.”
The valedictory session ended with prayers for the repose of the late speaker’s soul and condolences to his family, the people of Anambra state, and the Nigerian legislature, which he served with distinction.
