Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has described the former Speaker of the House, late Chief Agunwa Anaekwe as a unifying force in Nigerian politics.
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, saying Anaekwe’s legacy of unity and love will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Chief Anaekwe was the Speaker of the House between 1992 and 1993 before the termination of the Third Republic by the military.
Kalu, who consoled his wife and children said the late lawmaker lived a good life and made a difference in his political career said to the widow that “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.”
Welcoming the caucus earlier, the Sen. Victor Umeh, who represents Anaekwe’s senatorial district, Senator 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,” he said.