FORMER SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AGUNWA ANAEKWE, DIES AT 68

Agunwa Anaekwe, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives in Nigeria’s Third Republic, has passed away at the age of 68. Anakwe died on Saturday, July 5, 2025, after a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, on Monday.

Anaekwe led the House of Representatives at 36 under the interim civilian administration of Chief Ernest Shonekan in 1992. He served until November 17, 1993, when General Sani Abacha dissolved the democratic structures following the annulment of the June 12 presidential election won by MKO Abiola. During his tenure, Anakwe was known for his wisdom, composure, and ability to maintain stability in the House.

Former Anambra State Governor, Chris Ngige, who was a close friend and trusted political ally of Anaekwe, paid tribute to the late Speaker. “He steered the House with a lot of dexterity, wisdom, and patience,” Ngige said. “His death has left a very big void, difficult to fill because of the dearth of principled, accountable, and truthful persons in the murky and dirty waters of Nigerian politics.”

Ngige also recalled Anaekwe’s support during his tenure as governor, particularly in challenging entrenched political godfathers and restoring civil service functionality in Anambra State. “As Governor, he stood with me in the fight to behead the god-fathers that held Anambra hostage under Gov. Mbadinuju resulting in ‘years of the locusts’ situation with unpaid salaries and gratuities for workers, teachers resulting in closure of schools for one academic session; a situation we quickly reversed with restoration of payment of salaries and gratuities as and when due,” he said.

The family has yet to issue an official statement regarding Anaekwe’s passing. However, Ngige’s tribute highlights the impact of Anaekwe’s leadership and legacy on Nigerian politics.