Tributes as ex-Speaker Anaekwe honoured

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso on Thursday led dignitaries at a valedictory session held in honour of former Speaker Agunwa Anaekwe.

Anaekwe, who led the House during the botched Third Republic, died in July 2025 at the age of 69. He served as Speaker from December 1992 to November 1993, before the late General Sani Abacha dissolved the Interim National Government.

His casket was laid in state at the National Assembly lobby, where lawmakers from both chambers paid their final respects.

Speaker Abbas described the session as an opportunity to reflect on leadership and service, saying Anaekwe represented discipline and integrity.

“Rt. Hon. Anaekwe exemplified fairness and clarity of purpose. He saw the speakership not as a platform for personal gain but as a constitutional trust,” Abbas said.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu praised Anaekwe’s commitment to democracy, noting that he became Speaker at just 36 years old.

“He bore the weight of a young democracy and understood politics as service to the public good,” Kalu said.

Senator Osita Izunaso recalled Anaekwe’s courage during military rule, saying he stood firm for democracy even at personal risk.

Senator Victor Umeh described as a man “without controversy,” who built bridges and promoted peace.

Representing the Senate President, Senator Muhammed Monguno commended Anaekwe’s resistance to dictatorship, recalling how he challenged the Shonekan-led interim government at the 1993 Commonwealth Conference in Cyprus.