- Safiu Kehinde
Former House of Representatives Speaker, Agunwa Anekwe, has died after battle with prolonged illness.
Agunwa reportedly passed away on Saturday.
The former lawmaker served as the first Acting Chairman of the defunct Action Congress (AC).
His political journey, as recounted in a tribute posted by former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, began in 1991 through the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Agunwa had emerged the Speaker of the House in a keenly contested Speakership race between the SDP and Opposition National Republican Convention (NRC).
The emergence of the former Military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, however, saw Agunwa ousted out of power.
“Agunwa steered the House with a lot of dexterity, wisdom and patience and situation that saw that House having more stability than it’s Senate counterpart before the Military led by General Sani Abacha struck on 17th November 1993, after the annulment of the Presidential election won by Aare MKO Abiola of the SDP.
“He lost his seat when all the Democratic structure were pulled down by Gen Abacha. He took the situation with equanimity but still joined us and the then former Anambra Governor HE Chukwemeka Ezeife in the fight for restoration of Democracy.” Ngige wrote.
Th former Minister further recounted the late lawmaker’s effort during his campaign for Anambra state governorship election in 2003.
“At the inception of the 3rd Republic he joined us in the Vanguard of Dr Alex Ekwueme alliance that went to form the Eastern flank of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“When I emerged Guber candidate of the party in 2003, Ide Agunwa was the Battalion Commander of the foot soldiers who worked in Anaocha and Njikoka Local Governments, showed palpable presence in the elections producing advantageous outcomes.” He said.
Ngige in his tribute further recalled the last days of Agunwa Anekwe.
“I remember with nostalgia my last visit to him with Senator Osita Izunaso(his Media Assisrant as Speaker] to see him in his Abuja home in late March when I heard he was sick and was billed for a major Surgery ,the camrade we shared that night and his happiness at seeing us after many months, lifted our spirit not knowing that Death the “Biggest Thief in the night ” was lurking around to steal our friend and brother Ide Anaocha!!”he said.
Ngige described the late lawmaker as a trusted political ally who aligned himself with progressive politics since he joined partisan politics.