The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara and Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State have expressed condolences over the death of elder statesman, Chief Tony Anenih (popularly known in the political corridor as [Mr. Fix It).
Anenih died on Sunday at the age of 85.
Dogara, in a condolence message to NAN on Sunday in Abuja, described Chief Anenih’s death as a huge loss to the country.
He noted that the late Anenih was a fine gentleman, great mobiliser and a reputable nationalist who, all through his life believed in, worked and promoted 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 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).
“He later served in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Board of Trustees chairman, leaving indelible marks in the management of the party.
“Our deepest condolences go to the Anenih family, the people and government of Edo state, and the nation at large.”
Ortom
Similarly, Ortom, in a statement made available to GRASSROOTS.NG and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, described the death of Chief Anenih as a big loss to Nigeria.
The statement read: “Chief Anenih as a father to all; a versatile administrator and patriot who was very passionate about the country. He says Chief Anenih’s selfless role as an elder statesman was felt in many aspects of the country’s development.
“The Governor states that the wise counsel of the former Chairman, Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP will be dearly missed, especially now that the country is approaching another election year.
“Governor Ortom prays God to grant the Anenih family, the government and people of Edo State in particular the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Uduaghan
The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan on Sunday expressed sadness over the death of former minister of Works, Chief Anthony Anenih.
Uduaghan, in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Monoyo Edon, said, “I have just received the sad news of the death of one of Nigeria’s greatest nationalists, Chief Tony Anenih. His passing is a painful reminder that the pool of our committed nationalist leaders is depleting.
“Chief Anenih was like a father-figure to me privately and on my political sojourn.
“He gave me the privilege of his listening ears in troubled and in good times.
“I shall forever cherish the very good memories we shared together, he was my run-to adviser who threw his doors open to me, even at short notice. I generously tapped from his wealth of experience and I am the better for it today.
“His death may be painful, but I thank God for the selfless life he lived and the legacies, worth emulating by all patriots, that he left behind.
“I pray that the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and the Anenih’s family the fortitude to bear irreparable loss.”