Nigeria has lost one of its early democratic leaders, Agunwa Anakwe, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who passed away on Saturday, July 5, after battling an undisclosed illness.
Anakwe, a native of Anambra State, carved his name into the country’s political history when, at just 36 years old, he rose to become the Speaker of the third National Assembly in 1992. He led with uncommon courage and clarity during the fragile days of Nigeria’s short-lived democratic experiment under Chief Ernest Shonekan’s interim government.
Unfortunately, that democratic spark was extinguished too soon. Anakwe’s tenure was cut short by the military coup of November 17, 1993, led by the late General Sani Abacha, who ousted Shonekan and suspended all democratic institutions.
Yet, even within that brief window, Anakwe made his mark. He was notably outspoken in opposing the creation of additional local government areas, arguing that the move was politically motivated and would further delay the country’s journey back to full civilian rule. His courage to challenge the status quo, even in uncertain times, earned him respect among his peers and political observers.
Though his time in national office was brief, his legacy as a young, bold voice for constitutional order and accountability endures. News of his death has been met with tributes from former lawmakers, political figures, and constituents in the Southeast, who remember Anakwe as “a principled leader who carried the weight of leadership with maturity beyond his years.”
Details of funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. As Nigeria reflects on his passing, many see Agunwa Anakwe not just as a politician, but as a symbol of what democracy could be when led with youthful vision and patriotic resolve.
