By George Ozalla
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has described the late former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Agunwa Anaekwe, OFR, as a man whose leadership helped shape the moral compass of parliamentary democracy in Nigeria.
According to a press release signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Kalu paid glowing tribute to the late lawmaker during a valedictory session of the House on Thursday in honour of the former Speaker.
Born in 1956, Chief Anaekwe served as Speaker between 1992 and 1993, leading the House of Representatives during the Third Republic before the military truncated the democratic process. Kalu noted that Anaekwe’s brief tenure remains a benchmark for integrity and purposeful leadership in Nigeria’s legislative history.
“He was a man who not only served in this House but helped to shape the moral compass of parliamentary leadership in Nigeria,” Kalu said, adding that the late Speaker viewed politics not as an occupation but a calling to advance public good.
Kalu recalled that Anaekwe, who became Speaker at just thirty-six years old, led with calmness and a sense of duty, even when the democratic order was disrupted. He said Anaekwe’s fidelity to democratic ideals and moral courage earned him the respect of colleagues and the nation.
The Deputy Speaker further described Anaekwe as “a lawyer by training, a democrat by instinct, and a servant of the people by conviction,” highlighting his early leadership role as Acting President of the National Association of Nigerian Students as evidence of his enduring sense of responsibility.
Commiserating with the bereaved family, Kalu urged legislators to emulate Anaekwe’s legacy of discipline, humility, and devotion to the national interest, stressing that legislative excellence is measured not by motions or bills but by sincerity of purpose.
“Chief Anaekwe’s gavel may have fallen for the last time,” Kalu said, “yet his legacy still calls this House to order — to integrity, diligence, and service.”
Chief Agunwa Anaekwe’s contributions remain a defining reference point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. He is remembered as a pioneer Speaker whose leadership combined intellect with humility and conviction with grace.
