<\/p>\n
By Our Correspondent<\/p>\n
The valedictory session of late speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.Hon Agunwa Anaekwe attracted both serving and former lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives paid glowing tribute to the life and times of the former Speaker of the House<\/p>\n
Late Speaker Anaekwe helped to shape parliamentary leadership in Nigeria -Deputy Speaker, <\/p>\n
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has described former speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Agunwa Anaekwe, OFR as a man who did not only serve but helped to shape the moral compass of parliamentary leadership in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
Kalu spoke while paying glowing tribute to Anaekwe during a valedictory session of the House on Thursday in honour of the deceased.<\/p>\n
Born in 1956, Chief Anaekwe served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1992 and 1993 before the termination of the Third Republic by the military.<\/p>\n
The Deputy Speaker who also represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State said the late speaker led the House with sense of duty.<\/p>\n
“He was a man who not only served in this House but helped to shape the moral compass of parliamentary leadership in Nigeria. He belonged to that rare breed if lawmakers who understood that politics is not an occupation but a calling, a
\nmission to advance the public good, even when the path is uncertain. His
\npassing reminds us that while institutions endure, it is men of character who give those institutions life, meaning, and legitimacy.<\/p>\n
“At just thirty-six years old, he assumed the Speakership in December 1992,
\nduring the Third Republic, and carried the weight of a young democracy on his
\nshoulders. He led with a calm sense of duty, and when military intervention
\ndisrupted 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. This fidelity to democratic ideals defined his public life and earned him the respect of colleagues and country alike.”<\/p>\n
Although Anaekwe’s tenure was brief, Kalu said that it is still a reference point in Nigeria’s democratic practice.<\/p>\n
“His tenure, though brief, remains a reference point in our democratic evolution. In him, we find the example of a presiding officer who understood that the House of Representatives is not merely a gathering of politicians but a place where the hopes of millions are distilled into law, policy, and accountability<\/p>\n
“He was, by training, a lawyer; by instinct, a democrat; by conviction, a servant of
\nthe people. Before public life called him to the national stage, he had already
\nshown the signs of leadership as Acting President of the National Association of
\nNigerian Students. Even in youth, he understood that leadership is not about
\nnoise or titles; it is about responsibility. That early beginning produced a man
\nwhose leadership combined intellect with humility, firmness with compassion, and conviction with grace”, Kalu said.<\/p>\n
Commiserating with Anaekwe’s family over their loss, the Deputy Speaker urged his colleagues to emulate the life and leadership style of the departed.<\/p>\n
“Chief Anaekwe\u2019s life compels us to re-examine our own stewardship. Are we faithful custodians of the public trust? Do our actions elevate or diminish the dignity of this House? He taught, through his example, that legislative excellence is measured not by the number of motions moved or bills passed, but by the sincerity of purpose that underpins them.<\/p>\n
“The surest way to honour Chief Anaekwe is to ensure that this House continues to act with discipline, unity, and devotion to the national interest.<\/p>\n
“As we commend his soul to the mercy of God, let us also recommit ourselves to
\nthe ideals he embodied. Let us conduct ourselves in ways that give confidence to
\nthe Nigerian people. Let us be builders, not breakers; listeners, not only speakers
\nand servants, not masters.<\/p>\n
“To his family, we convey the condolences of the House of Representatives and of a grateful nation. May the comfort of your loss be found in the honour with which he served and in the gratitude of those whose paths he influenced. To his colleagues who served with him, we extend our gratitude for keeping his memory alive.<\/p>\n
“Chief Agunwa Anaekwe has taken his final rest, but he still lives on. His gavel
\nmay have fallen for the last time, yet his legacy still calls this House to order \u2013 to
\nintegrity, to diligence, and to service”, Kalu said.<\/p>\n
Agunwa who served the nation in the exalted position in the House from 1992-1993 in the botched Third Republic National Assembly.<\/p>\n
At a valedictory session in honour of the deceased where his lifeless body lied in state at the Atrium of the apex legislature, the House said the former speaker exemplified humility in service.<\/p>\n
Speaking in a remarks, Speaker of the House Rt Hon.Tajudeen Abass said that the late speaker exemplified that the National Assembly is not a gathering of politicians but an institution for the protection and preservation of democracy<\/p>\n
He also said that the former speaker is a embodiment of humility in service adding that he served the nation with utmost dedication to his duties.<\/p>\n
He further stated that National Assembly will rename the halls and meeting rooms after the former presiding officers of the National Assembly.<\/p>\n
Senator Osita Izunaso while paying tribute to the late presiding officer of the apex legislature said that he defended democracy in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
Also in his tribute Sen.Dr.Chris Ngige said that the late speaker was a fearless fighter for any cause that he believes in as well as a pillar of support for his constituents.<\/p>\n
He asked that the federal government rename a national monument after the late Anambra State born lawmaker and politician.<\/p>\n
Other lawmaker including Sen.Patrick Ndubueze, Sen.Mohammed Monguno, Hon.Benjamin Kalu and Hon. Ado Doguwa also extolled the exemplary life of the late presiding officer in the Third Republic National Assembly.<\/p>\n
In a closing remark, the Speaker Hon. Abass announced a delegation of the House comprising of the deputy speaker Hon.Benjamin Kalu, Hon.Halims Abdullahi, Hon.Olumide Osoba, Hon.Sada Soli and Hon Igariwey Iduma Enwo and one other lawmaker for the late speaker’s burial.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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