The House of Representatives on Thursday held a solemn valedictory session in honour of former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Agunwa Anakwe, celebrating his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democratic and legislative history.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, announced during the session that the National Assembly would immortalise all former presiding officers by naming halls within the complex after them.
Anakwe, who served as Speaker between 1992 and 1993 during the Third Republic, was remembered as a principled, courageous, and disciplined leader whose tenure helped stabilise the House during a turbulent political era.
Delivering his tribute, Speaker Abbas described the session as a “rare honour” for a man whose service strengthened the foundation of Nigeria’s legislature.
“This honour goes beyond symbolism, it is a recognition of integrity and patriotism,” Abbas said. “Rt. Hon. Agunwa Anakwe did not just hold office; he led with humility, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility.”
He noted that allowing Anakwe’s body to lie in state within the National Assembly complex was a mark of distinction reserved for leaders who made profound contributions to the nation’s democratic journey.
Abbas highlighted Anakwe’s leadership qualities, describing him as a man who valued restraint, fairness, and conviction even amid the tensions of the military era. “He showed that legislative strength lies not in wielding power, but in exercising it responsibly,” he added.
Speaking during the session, former lawmaker and member of the National Burial Committee, Senator Osita Izunaso, recalled Anakwe’s courage in defending democracy during one of Nigeria’s most challenging political periods.
“He stood firm for democracy at a time when the military controlled the executive while politicians managed the legislature,” Izunaso said. “When the military struck on November 17, 1993, he was determined to reconvene the House, an act that ultimately led to the National Assembly’s dissolution.”
Izunaso also praised Anakwe’s role in mobilising support for the June 12, 1993 presidential election and defending the mandate of Chief M.K.O. Abiola. “He risked everything for democracy because he believed in Nigeria,” he said.
In his remarks, Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) described Anakwe, an indigene of Adazi Ani in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, as a man of peace and integrity whose politics was guided by moderation and sincerity.
“He became Speaker at 36, he is gentle, unassuming, and without scandal,” Umeh noted. “He built bridges across Nigeria and served as a symbol of unity.”
Umeh also recounted Anakwe’s later political journey as interim chairman of the Action Congress (AC), which evolved into the All Progressives Congress (APC). “He managed the party with humility and helped nurture a new generation of leaders,” he said.
Representing the Senate President, Senator Muhammed Monguno, praised Anakwe for standing up to the military’s attempts to curtail legislative authority in the 1990s. “He resisted draconian decrees that sought to cripple parliamentary independence,” Monguno said.
He recalled that Anakwe led a delegation to the 1993 Commonwealth Conference in Cyprus, where he publicly challenged the legitimacy of Chief Ernest Shonekan’s interim government. “He made it clear that the National Assembly, not a military-appointed administration, represented the people’s will,” Monguno added.
Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara described Anakwe as “a dove with the heart of a lion,” commending his calm leadership during one of the most unstable periods in Nigeria’s history. “He will be remembered not for what he gained, but for what he gave, his service, his values, and his courage,” Dogara said.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who spoke on behalf of the 10th House leadership, described Anakwe as “a man of character who defined parliamentary leadership in Nigeria.”
“At 36, he bore the weight of a young democracy with grace,” Kalu said. “He saw politics not as an occupation but as a calling to serve. His fidelity to democratic ideals remains a guiding light for us all.”
Kalu emphasised that Anakwe’s short but impactful tenure remains a benchmark for political leadership. “Institutions may endure, but men of integrity give them meaning,” he stated. “We best honour him by ensuring that this House continues to act with discipline and unity in pursuit of national interest.”
The Deputy Speaker also extended condolences to Anakwe’s family, the people of Anambra State, and the entire Nigerian public, praying for God’s comfort and mercy.
Born in 1959, Rt. Hon. Agunwa Anakwe made history as Nigeria’s youngest Speaker of the House of Representatives at age 36. He served from December 1992 until the November 1993 military coup that ended the Third Republic. He died at the age of 69, and his remains will be laid to rest in Anambra State after final honours by the National Assembly.
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