The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were some of the dignitaries at Thursday’s valedictory in honour of former Speaker, Agunwa Anaekwe.

Anaekwe, who was the Speaker in the botched Third Republic, died in July 2025 at the age of 69.

He was Speaker on December 5, 1992, until November 17, 1993, when the late military dictator, Gen Sani Abacha, sacked the Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government.

As a sign of respect for the departed politician, the casket bearing his remains was brought to the main lobby of the National Assembly, where lawmakers from both chambers took turns to pay their last respect.

Leading the flood of tribute at a session attended by Anaekwe’s immediate family members, Abbas described the valedictory session as an opportunity for lawmakers to assess the nation’s leadership trajectory, identify gaps and take actions to right the wrongs of the past.

He said, “The valedictory session is not merely to offer ceremonial words. It offers us the opportunity both as an institution and as individuals to assess the substance of leadership, the weight of duty, and the legacy left behind. Rt Hon Anaekwe exemplified a standard of parliamentary conduct that combined discipline, fairness, and clarity of purpose.

“Elected during the Third Republic at a time when Nigeria stood at a complex intersection of political transition and democratic aspiration, he assumed the speakership in 1992 and guided this House with composure and clarity of purpose. He recognised that the strength of a legislature lies not in power for its own sake, but in the responsible exercise of authority.

“He approached the speakership not as a platform for personal elevation, but as a constitutional trust. Under his leadership, the House maintained coherence in the face of political uncertainty.

“He upheld the sanctity of this House and demonstrated that even in turbulent periods, legislative order can be preserved through restraint and conviction.”

Highlighting the esteem the 10th House held the ex-Speaker, Abbas stated that “By allowing his remains to lie in state within this institution he once led, the National Assembly affirms the enduring significance of his contribution. This honour is not symbolic alone. It confirms that our history acknowledges those who strengthened the legislature through integrity rather than ambition.

“Rt Hon Anaekwe did not merely occupy the office of Speaker. He accepted the challenge and the enormous responsibility entrusted to him. He discharged his duty with humility and a deep sense of service. He demonstrated that leadership can be disciplined, thoughtful, and principled.”

On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who spoke on behalf of the leadership of the 10th House, lauded Anaekwe for his democratic credentials and leadership acumen.

“At just 36, he bore the weight of a young democracy on his shoulders. He understood that politics is not an occupation but a call to serve the public good. His fidelity to democratic ideals earned him the respect of colleagues and country alike.

“While institutions endure, it is men of character who give them life, meaning, and legitimacy. We honour him best by ensuring that this House continues to act with discipline, unity, and devotion to national interest,” Kalu said.

Also speaking, a member of the National Burial Committee, Senator Osita Izunaso, recalled Anekwe’s role in defending democracy during one of Nigeria’s most difficult political periods.

“He fought and defended democracy when we had a near-dictatorship — the military at the executive level and the politicians at the National Assembly. When the military struck on November 17, 1993, he was determined to reconvene the House of Representatives. That determination led to the instant dissolution of the National Assembly.

“He fought for June 12 and defended that mandate. He stood for democracy even when it was risky to do so,” he added.

In his contribution, the lawmaker representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, described the deceased as a man who had zero controversy throughout his sojourn in politics.

“He became Speaker at the age of 36, a gentleman in politics. He was never associated with controversy. He built bridges across regions and pursued nation-building with sincerity and moderation. Our people revere him as a man of peace and principle.

“He managed the party with humility and built a solid political foundation that produced future leaders. Even when political godfathers tried to derail democracy in our state, Agunwa stood firm for the people,” he said.

Representative of the Senate President, Senator Muhammed Monguno, commended Anaekwe for standing “Firmly against dictatorial tendencies,” stressing that his belief in democracy was without compromise.

“The late Honourable Agunwa Anakwe, as Speaker, not only preached the gospel of democracy but championed it by leading the House to reject an obnoxious and draconian decree that sought to cripple legislative independence,” he added.

The Borno lawmaker narrated how the late Anakwe sponsored a delegation to the 1993 Commonwealth Conference in Cyprus to challenge the legitimacy of Chief Ernest Shonekan’s interim government.

“We addressed a world press conference declaring that Chief Ernest Shonekan was an imposition on Nigerians and that the National Assembly held the legitimate mandate of the people,” Monguno stated.

Speaking on behalf of former Speakers, Yakubu Dogara described Anaekwe as “A dove with the heart of a lion,” noting that “He led the House in an era when political life was short, poor, nasty, and brutal. Yet, he managed to stand firm with wisdom, calmness, and courage.”

Dogara said the deceased would be remembered “Not for what he kept, but for what he gave: his service, values and examples.”

In his brief comment, Kwankwaso, who served as Deputy Speaker in the Third Republic, drew a bout of laughter from lawmakers present at the valedictory session when he said that “There is no doubt that Anaekwe would have today joined the New Nigeria Peoples Party to do the right thing for the nation.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker has been appointed to lead a strong delegation of the 10th House to the burial of Anaekwe in Adazi, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday.

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The United States Department of Defence has revoked the access badges of Pentagon reporters from nearly all major media organisations after they refused to sign a new media policy that journalists say threatens press freedom.

The Pentagon, located in Arlington, Virginia, serves as the administrative and operational centre of the U.S. military, housing top defence officials and command structures similar to Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Pentagon Press Association described the action as a “dark day for press freedom,” warning that it undermines America’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and free speech.

The association said the Defence Department confiscated badges because reporters declined to accept the new policy, which they believe implicitly threatens to criminalise national security reporting and exposes journalists to possible prosecution.

“Today, the Defense Department confiscated the badges of the Pentagon reporters from virtually every major media organisation in America.

“It did this because reporters would not sign onto a new media policy over its implicit threat of criminalising national security reporting and exposing those who sign it to potential prosecution,” the statement read.

The new rules, which took effect on October 15, require journalists covering the Pentagon to acknowledge that they could lose access if they solicit or publish unapproved information, including some unclassified materials.

The Pentagon Press Association said its members remained committed to covering the U.S. military despite the restrictions, but stressed that the decision raises serious concerns about the future of open and independent reporting on defence matters.

“The Pentagon Press Association’s members are still committed to reporting on the U.S. military.

“But make no mistake, today is a dark day for press freedom that raises concerns about a weakening U.S. commitment to transparency in governance, public accountability at the Pentagon, and free speech for all,” the statement continued.

According to Reuters, dozens of reporters from outlets including CNN, Reuters, The Washington Post, The New York Times and Fox News vacated their workspaces at the Pentagon after refusing to sign the policy.

Only One America News Network reportedly agreed to the new terms.

According to Reuters, Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell, defended the policy, insisting that it was not meant to silence the press but to ensure national security.

He explained that the new rules merely require reporters to acknowledge the restrictions, not necessarily agree with them.

Speaking on the policy in June, CBS News national security correspondent David Martin, who has covered the beat for over 40 years, said during an interview on CBS News, “This, at least from my perspective, is making the Pentagon as difficult to cover as possible. And, you know, the next step is to ban reporters entirely from the Pentagon, and that’s why the reporters I’ve talked to that are still on the beat, they’re not going to try and find workarounds to this policy, because they don’t want to trigger the next sanction.”

Reuters explained that under the new arrangement, the Pentagon now has broader authority to revoke press badges, limit reporters’ movement within the building, and control how they interact with military officials.

The move by the U.S. Department of Defence draws comparisons to past incidents in Nigeria, where government officials have been accused of suppressing press freedom.

In April 2017, the Chief Security Officer to then-President Muhammadu Buhari expelled The PUNCH’s State House correspondent, Olalekan Adetayo, from the Presidential Villa in Abuja after he published a report on the president’s health.

According to reports, Adetayo was grilled, his accreditation withdrawn, and he was forcibly removed from the villa premises.

The CSO’s action was met with criticism, with the presidency’s media office later stating that it had not been consulted and reaffirming a commitment to press freedom.

The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.

Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.

He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.

At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.

Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.

Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.

According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.

The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.

The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.

The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law.

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