Agunwa Anakwe, who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives during Nigeria’s Third Republic, passed away on Saturday.
His death, following an undisclosed illness, was confirmed on Monday by Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor.
A native of Anambra State, Anakwe made history in 1992 when he became Speaker of the House of Representatives at just 36 years old. His tenure was part of the short-lived interim civilian administration led by Chief Ernest Shonekan.
Anakwe’s leadership, however, was cut short by the military coup orchestrated by General Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993, which ousted Shonekan’s government.
During his time in office, Anakwe was notably recognized for his resolute opposition to the proposed creation of additional local government areas. He believed this move was a tactic to delay Nigeria’s full return to democratic rule.
Former Anambra State Governor Chris Ngige paid a heartfelt tribute to Anakwe, describing him as a “close friend and trusted political ally.”
Ngige lauded Anakwe’s “dexterity, wisdom, and patience” in guiding the House through a turbulent political period.
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“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 remarked.
Ngige also recalled Anakwe’s steadfast support during his governorship, particularly in his efforts to challenge entrenched political godfathers and restore functionality to the state’s civil service.
“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 stated.
Reflecting on their last encounter in March, Ngige shared that Anakwe was in good spirits despite his health challenges 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,” Ngige lamented.
Ngige concluded by emphasizing that Anakwe’s passing leaves a significant void in Nigerian politics, highlighting him as a rare example of integrity and accountability in public service.
