…as S/East Reps Caucus Pays Condolence Visit to Family
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has described the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Agunwa Anaekwe as a unifying force in Nigerian politics.
He said that Anaekwe’s legacy of unity and love will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Kalu spoke when he led members of the South East Caucus of the House to pay a condolence visit to the deceased window, Mrs. Chinwe Anaekwe in his Abuja home on Wednesday.
Chief Anaekwe was the Speaker of the House between 1992 and 1993 before the termination of the Third Republic by the military.
Remembered for his bravery, humility, and commitment to public service, late Anaekwe rose to prominence at 36, becoming one of the youngest members and Speakers of the House of Representatives.
Kalu who consoled his wife and children said that he lived a good life and made a difference in his politics career.
The Deputy Speaker who will be serving co-chairman of the burial committee alongside Senator Osita Izunaso said they will unite to give the former speaker a befitting burial.
He said: “It is a sad moment for us. As Ndi Igbo, we are proud of the legacy he left. He left a good name which holds us accountable. He did not bring the name of our people to disrepute. He represented us well. He broke the jinx, and after him, I think those that tested that seat are still trying to fill the gap. He told us to continue to aspire, and we believe that one day, an Igbo man will be a speaker.
“We described him as a unifier, which is a characteristic of an Igbo man. He’s not a troublemaker. Your husband happened to be one of those who believed in the unity of Nigeria and those who followed him will continue to walk on that path of unity, love, and togetherness.
“When I remember him as Deputy Speaker, I tried to walk like him. He raised the pride of the Igbo man. He lived a good life. He joined politics to make a difference, and he was brave enough to step in and aim for the highest office, and he got it. At 36 years, he became a Speaker, even far younger than me now. He set a good mark, and the children should be proud of him.
“Your husband has a good name, and we want to show the love we have for him to pay our last respects. We will work with the committee and support the family. We will always be here for you. People from the South-East, we are going to task ourselves to give you all the support.”
Receiving the caucus earlier, the Senator representing Anaekwe’s senatorial district, Senator Victor Umeh said the late speaker was a peace maker.
“Our brother was a peace maker, a wonderful man to have in any society. Not given to bickering. When we moved a motion in the Senate to inform the Senators about his death, his colleagues then took over and said so many things we didn’t know about. It shows the gravity of the loss. We want to say thank you for coming. We are lucky to have you at the Deputy Speaker to close the gap for all of us”.
In his remarks, Senator Izunaso who served as the Chief Press Secretary to late Anaekwe expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker and the caucus members for their condolences and support.