By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The National Assembly has formally announced the final rites for the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Agunwa Anaekwe, with a comprehensive schedule of events that will span Abuja, Awka, and his country home in Adazi-Ani, Anambra State.
The announcement was made during a World Press Conference jointly convened by the National Burial Committee, comprising members of the leadership of the House of Representatives, the Senate, family members, selected friends, and close associates of the deceased.
Held at the Senate Building of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the solemn event reflected the high regard in which the late lawmaker was held across the political landscape.
Addressing newsmen at the press conference, Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions and Chairman of the Chief Agunwa Anaekwe Burial Committee, led participants in a minute’s silence in honour of the departed. He described the passing of Chief Anaekwe at the relatively young age of 69 as a devastating loss, not only to his immediate family and the Southeast, but also to the entire country. He stressed that Nigeria would have benefited more from the vast experience and lessons drawn from the life and political journey of the deceased, whom he fondly described as a statesman and patriot.
Senator Izunaso, who commiserated with the bereaved family, friends, and associates, reminded all to take solace in the sovereignty of God’s will, while praying for the peaceful repose of Anaekwe, popularly known as Ide Anaocha and Onunekwuluora of Adazi-Ani.
The Burial Committee, there at the press conference, unveiled a detailed programme of activities, beginning with a Requiem High Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, October 2nd, followed later in the day by a Night of Tributes at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.
He said a special valedictory session will be held at the National Assembly, Abuja, on Thursday, October 16th, at 9 a.m., to be followed by a similar session at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Awka, later in the afternoon, while additional sessions will also be held by the Igwe-in-Council and the Adazi-Ani Town Union at the Igwe’s Palace.
The programme, Izunaso said, will continue with a Vigil Mass and Wake Keep at the deceased’s country home in Adazi-Ani on the evening of October 16th. This will be followed on Friday, October 17th, by a lying-in-state at his country home, a Funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Adazi-Ani, and his interment immediately after at the family compound. He said the ceremonies will climax with condolences on Saturday, October 18th, from family members, in-laws, and well-wishers, and an Outing/Thanksgiving Mass at All Saints Catholic Church, Adazi-Ani, on Sunday, October 19th.
Among the dignitaries present at the press briefing were Senator Dr. Chris Ngige, former Governor of Anambra State; Dr. Ijeomah Anadiogbu, Vice Chairman of APC South East; BC Igwilo, SAN, who serves as the Local Organising Committee Chairman; Hon. Bartholomew Anaekwe, a younger brother of the deceased; two of the late Speaker’s sons; and several other personalities from different walks of life.
The Committee further assured that any adjustments or updates to the burial arrangements would be communicated promptly through appropriate channels.
Rt. Hon. Chief Agunwa Anaekwe, who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 3rd National Assembly between 1992 and 1993, is remembered as a quintessential parliamentarian and bridge-builder who left indelible footprints in Nigeria’s political history.
While praying for the peaceful repose of his soul, the National Assembly also urged Nigerians to honour his memory by reflecting on his legacy of service and patriotism.
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