Tributes have continued to pour in for the Late elder statesman, Chief Anthony Anenih, a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
In a condolence message to the Anenih family, President Muhammadu Buhari affirmed that across Nigeria’s political spectrum, Anenih was known for his strong views on issues relating to the unity and stability of the nation.
The President also commiserated with the government and people of Edo State and the PDP on the passing of their illustrious son and former Chairman, Board of Trustees. He attests that Anenih lived a life of service, as State Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, chieftain of the PDP, and a former Minister of Works.
The President prays almighty God to grant Chief Anenih’s soul eternal rest and comfort all that mourn the octogenarian.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki wrote on his twitter page: “Cchief Tony Anenih was a consummate elder statesman who played several defining roles throughout Nigeria democracy. He will be remembered for his great patriotism and his insight into national issues. He will be dearly missed
Also presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar in a tweet, said the passing away of Chief Tony Anenih one the founding fathers and elder statesman of the PDP “is sad news to me and everyone who had close and personal relationship with him. I pray for strength and comfort for his family. May God grant his soul a peaceful repose.”
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, expressed deep sadness over the passing of elder statesman. The governor, in a statement, said Anenih’s death is a huge loss to the state and the nation as the elder statesman devoted a better part of his life to the development of the state and the country, contributing to national development in the various capacities he served while he lived.
According to him, the whole of Edo State has suffered a huge loss with the death of Chief Anenih, the Iyasele of Esan land, who ranks as one of the most illustrious sons of the state. Chief Anenih rose to the occasion when it mattered most, to defend the interest of Edo State and her people. I am deeply saddened by the loss, more so at a time like this, when Nigeria needs his wisdom and guidance as we approach the election season.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara in a statement signed by his media adviser, Turaki Hassan, described Anenih as a “great mobiliser and a reputable nationalist who, all through his life, believed in, worked and prompted peace and unity in Nigeria. We have lost a father, counsellor, leader par excellence and a patriot who gave his all for the unity of this country. He was a distinguished and exemplary officer while he served in the Nigerian Police until his retirement as Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The speaker said Anenih played politics without bitterness right from the days of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN in the second republic to the then Social Democratic Party, SDP and later the PDP where he served as the Board of Trustees chairman, leaving indelible marks in the management of the party.
Similarly, All Progressives Congress, APC leader, Bola Tinubu, described Anenih as a leader who was resolutely committed to the unity and cohesion of the country. He said in a statement by his media office that: “Chief Anenih was a foremost politician and elder-statesman. He was resolutely committed to the unity and cohesion of this country. He worked for the upliftment of his Uromi hometown and Edo State, as he worked for the growth and development of Nigeria.”
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