The House of Representatives, on Thursday, held a Valedictory Session in honour of the late Rt. Hon. (Chief) Agunwa Anaekwe, OFR (Ide Anaocha), who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives during the brief Third Assembly, between December 5, 1992, and November 17, 1993.
The solemn session, which featured the lying-in-state of his remains within the atrium of the National Assembly Complex, admitted invited guests into the Chamber in accordance with House rules to observe proceedings in his honour. It was attended by his family members, former Presiding Officers, and Members of the National Assembly, particularly those who served in the Third National Assembly.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the House, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, noted that the occasion was “a moment of institutional reflection to honour the life and service of a former Speaker whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
Distinguished guests who took turns to speak and extol the late former Presiding Officer of the Green Chamber included Senator Osita Izunaso, OFR; Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Senator Victor Umeh, OFR (LP, Anambra Central); Senator Chris Ngige, former lawmaker (Anambra Central); Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Member, House of Representatives (1992–1993).
Other dignitaries who paid tributes include: H.E. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives (1992–1993); Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR, representing the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the House; Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; and Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Representative of the President of the Senate.
Prayers were offered for the deceased by Rt. Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC, Kano), who was also a Member of the House of Representatives (1992–1993), and Rep. Uyinme Idem (APC, Akwa Ibom), while the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mrs. Ifeoma Obiagu, daughter of the late former Speaker.
The House of Representatives extended its heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, the entire Anaekwe family, the Government and people of Anambra State, and all Nigerians who mourn the passing of a great son of the nation.
Funeral ceremonies for the late former Speaker are expected to continue at his country home in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
