A former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Anayo Nnebe, has died at age of 61 years, after a brief illness in a federal government hospital in Anambra.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the death of Nnebe, also a former Federal legislator, was disclosed by an anonymous family member in Awka on Wednesday.
Nnebe served as Speaker of Anambra State Assembly between 2011 and 2015,
In 2015, he was elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to represent Awka North and South Federal Constituency.
Born in 1963, the late Nnebe hailed from Umuokpu – Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra.
Nnebe grew up in Awka, where he also attended basic school. He obtained his West African Senior Certificate (WASC) in 1981 from Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1987.
He is survived by his wife, Ngozi, and five children.
NAN reports that in 2018, Nnebe defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Eulogizing his predecessor, the current Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, described the death of the former Speaker as a great loss to the State.
Udeze described him as an accomplished parliamentarian and a refined political guru.
He said that Nnebe distinguished himself as a renowned Public Servant and Selfless Politician in view of his numerous accomplishments.
Udeze recounted some of the achievements of the late Nnebe to include the construction of numerous constituency projects, securing employment opportunities and the provision of empowerment schemes for his constituents.
He said Nnebe did lots of humanitarian work among others during his time as Speaker of the State House of Assembly and Member of the House of Representatives.
Udeze lauded Nnebe’s legislative prowess and urged present legislators to emulate his foot print as a way to immortalise him.
He described the late Speaker as a grassroot politician, philanthropist, devout Christian and community leader who started out as Secretary to the Government of Awka South Local Government Area.
He was also Special Adviser to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on State Assembly and National Assembly Matters.
“I have a huge satisfaction that Nnebe made giant contributions to the development of his home town, Awka, and Anambra State at large,” he said
The Speaker prayed God to give Nnebe’s immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss and grant his soul eternal rest.
Udeze made his feelings known to NAN through his chief press Secretary, Mr Emma Madu.
NAN reports that the traditional ruler of Umueri community, Anambra East Local Government Area, Igwe Emeka Chinedu, poured encomium on the departed, saying he was a man of many good parts.
“His death is a big blow to the people of Anambra and he will be greatly missed,” Chinese lamented.
Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, the National Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, said the news of Nnebe’s death is shocking and a big loss to Anambra.
He described him as a very humane and experienced politician who despite his political affiliation puts the welfare of the people first. (NAN)