Nigeria’s political landscape was thrown into mourning on Tuesday following the passing of Chief Agunwa Anaekwe, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives during the country’s ill-fated Third Republic. He died at the age of 68.
Chief Anaekwe, who hailed from Adazi in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, served as Speaker from December 1992 until the democratic experiment was abruptly truncated by a military coup in November 1993. A seasoned lawyer and graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he remained an influential figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) until his demise. Despite his exit from public office decades ago, he continued to contribute to party affairs and was actively involved in recent political engagements both within his state and at the national level.
His death was confirmed by former Anambra State Governor and ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, who described the loss as a monumental blow to the political class, hailing Anaekwe as a true statesman and a towering figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, grief has also enveloped the family of Senator Diket Plang, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, following the death of his wife, Professor Janet Punyit Plang. She passed away at the Jos University Teaching Hospital after what family sources described as a brief illness.
Professor Plang was a distinguished academic at the University of Jos, where she served as a lecturer in the Department of Gender Studies and Gerontology. Her promotion to the rank of professor took effect in October 2022, reflecting her years of contribution to research and education in social sciences and gender development.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed deep sorrow over her death, describing her as a pillar of strength, not just to her immediate family but also to her academic community and the state at large. Her loss, the party noted, is irreplaceable and resonates deeply with many who were impacted by her work and service.
As the nation mourns these two losses, condolences have continued to pour in from colleagues, friends, political associates, and constituents, honouring the lives and legacies of two distinguished Nigerians who served their country with commitment and distinction.