Chief Tony Anenih dies at 85; Buhari, Dogara, Daniel pay tributes

Political leader and former Minister of Works, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih has passed on, aged 85.

A statement by his son, Mr. Anthony Anenih Junior, on behalf of the family, said that the Iyasele of Esanland who is survived by many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, passed on to glory on Sunday October 28, 2018 after a brief illness.

Reacting to the demise of the Edo State – born politician, President Muhammadu Buhari said that he lived a life of service, as State Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and a former Minister of Works.

In a statement by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity), President Buhari extended heartfelt condolences to the Anenih family on the death of its beloved patriarch and elder statesman, and also commiserated with the government and people of Edo State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the passing of their illustrious son and former Chairman, Board of Trustees..

President Buhari affirmed that across the political spectrum of Nigeria, Chief Anenih was known for his strong views on issues pertaining to the unity and stability of the nation and prays almighty God to grant Chief Anenih’s soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn the octogenarian.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara in a message, condoled with the government and people of Edo State over the demise of Chief Anenih, describing his passage as a huge loss not only to Edo state but to the nation as a whole.

Dogara noted that the late Anenih was a fine gentleman, 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, counselor, leader par excellence and a patriot who gave his all for the unity of this country” he said.

“He was a distinguished and exemplary  officer while he served in the Nigerian Police until his retirement as Deputy Commissioner of Police.

” On the political front,  Chief 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 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP where he served as the Board of Trustees chairman, leaving indelible marks in the management of the party”.
In his condolence message, former Governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, described Chief Anenih as one of Nigeria’s foremost politicians whose death has ended a great chapter in the nation’s political history.

He said that Chief Anenih was a hugely endowed political leader and foremost nationalist who served the country in various capacities during his lifetime.

“As one of the founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Anenih was among those who sustained the nation’s fledging democracy by his immense contributions in the process that laid a solid foundation for democratic ideals and political ethics in modern politics,” Daniel said.

In his demise, the country, he stressed, has lost an illustrious son and colourful politician whose administrative prowess and political sagacity remain a benchmark and history will report him positively for his exemplary roles and great ideas in nation building.