Politics
Late Speaker Anaekwe Was Unifying Force in Nigerian Politics -Deputy Speaker, Kalu …as S/East Reps Caucus pays condolence visit to family
By Our Correspondent
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has described the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Agunwa Anaekwe as a unifying force in Nigerian politics.
He said that Anaekwe’s legacy of unity and love will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Kalu spoke when he led members of the South East Caucus of the House to pay a condolence visit to the deceased window, Mrs. Chinwe Anaekwe in his Abuja home on Wednesday.
Chief Anaekwe was the Speaker of the House between 1992 and 1993 before the termination of the Third Republic by the military.
Remembered for his bravery, humility, and commitment to public service, late Anaekwe rose to prominence at 36, becoming one of the youngest members and Speakers of the House of Representatives.
Kalu who consoled his wife and children said that he lived a good life and made a difference in his politics career.
The Deputy Speaker who will be serving co-chairman of the burial committee alongside Senator Osita Izunaso said they will unite to give the former speaker a befitting burial.
He said: “It is a sad moment for us. As Ndi Igbo, we are proud of the legacy he left. He left a good name which holds us accountable. He did not bring the name of our people to disrepute. He represented us well. He broke the jinx, and after him, I think those that tested that seat are still trying to fill the gap. He told us to continue to aspire, and we believe that one day, an Igbo man will be a speaker.
“We described him as a unifier, which is a characteristic of an Igbo man. He’s not a troublemaker. Your husband happened to be one of those who believed in the unity of Nigeria and those who followed him will continue to walk on that path of unity, love, and togetherness.
“When I remember him as Deputy Speaker, I tried to walk like him. He raised the pride of the Igbo man. He lived a good life. He joined politics to make a difference, and he was brave enough to step in and aim for the highest office, and he got it. At 36 years, he became a Speaker, even far younger than me now. He set a good mark, and the children should be proud of him.
“Your husband has a good name, and we want to show the love we have for him to pay our last respects. We will work with the committee and support the family. We will always be here for you. People from the South-East, we are going to task ourselves to give you all the support.”
Receiving the caucus earlier, the Senator representing Anaekwe’s senatorial district, Senator Victor Umeh said the late speaker was a peace maker.
“Our brother was a peace maker, a wonderful man to have in any society. Not given to bickering. When we moved a motion in the Senate to inform the Senators about his death, his colleagues then took over and said so many things we didn’t know about. It shows the gravity of the loss. We want to say thank you for coming. We are lucky to have you at the Deputy Speaker to close the gap for all of us”.
In his remarks, Senator Izunaso who served as the Chief Press Secretary to late Anaekwe expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker and the caucus members for their condolences and support.
By David Owei, Bayelsa
Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within the ADC ahead of the 2026 state elections, his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has disclosed.
Responding to media publication and enquiries, the Spokesperson affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is going to win, with wide margins, the 2026 governorship elections on the platform of the PDP.
The statement reads further: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations.
“First of all, we, the PDP Osun, have already adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, so there is no alliance with ADC.
“Secondly, Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026.
“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026”, the Spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Governor Adeleke urges PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for fresh victory next year”, the statement from the Spokesperson concluded.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has rejected the Bill in the Senate seeking to permanently elevate the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive Co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.
The INC said the move would be at the expense of apex traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical divides.
The Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James (OON) said, in a statement on Sunday in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government area of Bayelsa State, the proposal is a continuos infringement on Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.
Alabo Nengi James describes the provision of the Bill as unacceptable and against the Rights of the indigenous People across tribes, Religion, Culture and Customs.
He said the Bill should be reviewed to include clauses such as No permanent Chairmanship for Sultan and Oni only must be allowed in the ongoing bill being discussed in the Senate.
He advocates that the National Assembly should allow the National Council of Traditional Rulers to Appoint their Leadership themselves, rotationaly and based on Federal Character.
“Include the Role of Traditional Rulers into the Constitutio and No Traditional Ruler from another tribe or religion is superior to another.”
“The National Assembly should Step down the Provocative and dehumanizing offensive Bill that will cause a serious rift and breach of peace in Nigeria.”
Chief James called the attention of the Senate President, Rt. Hon. Godswill Akpabio, urging him to immediately step down what he termed a “highly insensitive and dangerous bill.”
He emphasized that traditional rulers across the country must be given equal recognition and should be allowed to choose their national leadership through internal mechanisms that reflect rotational leadership and the federal character system.
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