…mourns Nigeria’s youngest-ever House Speaker, applauds legacy of courage and democratic integrity
Abuja – The Nigerian Senate on Thursday held a solemn plenary session in honour of the late Rt. Hon. Chief Agunwa Anaekwe, OFR, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the age of 69.
The tribute followed a motion sponsored by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), and co-sponsored by Senators Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North), Kamorudeen Oyewumi (Osun West), Mohammed Monguno (Borno North), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), Aliyu Ikra Bilbis (Zamfara Central), and Mallam-Madori Ahmed Abdulhamid (Jigawa East).
The Senate, in its resolution, noted with deep sadness the passing of Chief Anaekwe, who made history in 1992 by becoming Nigeria’s youngest Speaker of the House of Representatives at the age of 36, during the country’s short-lived Third Republic. Lawmakers praised Anaekwe’s tenure as one marked by courageous and principled leadership.
He was celebrated for resisting anti-democratic forces, defending the independence of the legislature, and ensuring that the House remained the voice of the people during a critical phase in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.Though his term as Speaker was abruptly ended by the military dissolution of democratic institutions on November 17, 1993, senators observed that his patriotism, integrity, and legislative courage continue to inspire lawmakers across the country.
The Senate also recognised his post-legislative contributions as a member of the APC National Caucus and Executive Council, seasoned lawyer, administrator, and real estate entrepreneur.
He remained deeply engaged in nation-building, promoting the values of justice, democracy, and mentorship.
Following the motion, the Senate resolved to:
Observe a minute of silence in his honour;
Mandate a delegation to pay condolence visits to the late Speaker’s family, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Governor of Anambra State;
Set up a joint committee with the House of Representatives to plan a befitting national funeral;
Urge the Federal Government to immortalise Chief Anaekwe by naming a national public institution or edifice after him, in recognition of his meritorious service to Nigeria and democracy.
The motion received overwhelming bipartisan support. Senators commended the late Speaker’s selflessness, clarity of purpose, and legacy of unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.Senator Umeh described him as “a rare patriot whose memory will live on through the lives he touched and the institutions he defended.”
