A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Agunwa Anakwe, is dead.
Anakwe passed away on Saturday after reportedly battling an undisclosed illness.
His passing was confirmed by Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, in a telephone conversation on Monday.
Anakwe, who hailed from Anambra State, led the third House of Representatives in 1992 under the short-lived interim civilian administration of late Chief Ernest Shonekan.
He was 36 years old at the time but his tenure ended following the military coup that ousted Shonekan by former military dictator, General Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993.
During his time in office, Anakwe was known for his firm stance against the proposed creation of additional local government areas, a move he believed was being used to delay Nigeria’s return to democratic governance.
Former Anambra State Governor Chris Ngige, in a tribute, described Anakwe as “a close friend and trusted political ally,” who 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 recalled Anakwe’s support as governor 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.
Ngige said Anakwe’s passing left a significant void in Nigerian politics, describing him as a rare example of integrity and accountability in public service.
