Former Anambra State Governor and ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Dr. Chris Ngige, has described the passing of Rt. Hon. (Barr) Agunwa Anaekwe, former Speaker of the House of Representatives (1992–1993), as the fall of a political Iroko tree in Igbo land and Nigeria.
In an emotional tribute, Ngige said Anaekwe, popularly known as Ide Anaocha, was a trusted political ally and committed progressive whose death leaves a painful void in the country’s political landscape.
“Agunwa was my friend, a dependable comrade who stayed on the side of the people and progressive politics from the beginning of his career in 1991 through the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP),” Ngige wrote.
“He became Speaker of the House of Representatives in a fiercely contested election and steered the House with uncommon wisdom and calm, until the military disrupted the 3rd Republic in 1993.”
Ngige highlighted how Anaekwe accepted the abrupt end to democracy with humility but never gave up the struggle. He joined pro-democracy forces, including then-Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife, to push for a return to civil rule and later played a major role in the formation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under the Alex Ekwueme-led Eastern alliance.
Recalling their long political journey together, Ngige said, “In the 1998 Anambra governorship race, although he did not win, he accepted defeat in good faith and helped deliver the PDP candidate, Chinwoke Mbadinuju. In 2003, during my governorship bid, Ide Anaocha was the ‘battalion commander’ in Anaocha and Njikoka LGAs, mobilizing grassroots support.”
Ngige praised Anaekwe’s firm stand against political godfatherism, especially during the turbulent years of salary arrears and school closures in Anambra under Governor Mbadinuju.
He credited Anaekwe with being part of the elders’ advisory team that helped him, as Governor, restore order in the state.
Their alliance continued into the formation of the Action Congress (AC) in 2006. Ngige recalled that after he was removed from office, Anaekwe willingly stepped in as the interim chairman of the Anambra chapter of the AC, holding the party together until his return.
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Even in recent years, Ngige noted, Anaekwe remained dedicated to service, accepting the position of APC ex-officio for the South East despite his status as a former Speaker and member of the party’s National Caucus.
“Ide Anaocha was a rare breed — principled, honest, and loyal,” Ngige said.
“We last visited him in March at his Abuja home, unaware that death, the greatest thief in the night, was lurking.”
Ngige extended his condolences to Anaekwe’s family, the people of Anambra State, and Nigerians at large.
“May the good Lord grant him eternal rest and comfort all who mourn this colossal loss,” he prayed.
Agunwa Anaekwe was a revered political figure, remembered for his statesmanship, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the democratic cause.