Ex-Reps Speaker Agunwa Anakwe Is Dead

Agunwa Anakwe, the Speaker of the 3rd House of Representatives has passed on following an undisclosed illness. He was 74 years old.

Anakwe who was the Speaker of the House of Representatives at 36 years died on Saturday, according to Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor,

He was booted out of office following the military coup that ousted Ernest Shonekan led Interim National Government by former military dictator, General Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993.

While paying tribute to the late Speaker, former Anambra State Governor Chris Ngige, described him as “a close friend and trusted political ally.”

He noted that as Speaker, Anakwe displayed “dexterity, wisdom, and patience” in steering the House during a turbulent political period.

“He brought greater stability to the House of Representatives than what we saw in the Senate at the time, before the military struck after the annulment of MKO Abiola’s election victory,” Ngige said.

Ngige also reveled that he was supported by Anakwe while challenging entrenched political godfathers and in restoring civil service functionality in the state.

“As governor, he stood with me in the fight to behead the godfathers that held Anambra hostage under Gov. (Chinwoke) Mbadinuju. That era was marked by unpaid salaries and school closures—issues we quickly resolved,” he said.

Reflecting on their last meeting in March, Ngige said Anakwe was in high spirits despite his health condition and plans for major surgery.

“The camaraderie we shared that night lifted our spirits. We had no idea that death, ‘the biggest thief in the night,’ was lurking to take our friend and brother, Ide Anaocha,” he added.

He added that Anakwe’s death has left a significant void in Nigerian politics.

Ngige further described the late Speaker as a rare example of integrity and accountability in public service.