Anenih’s Death, End of an Inspiring Chapter of Nigeria’s Political History, Says Obasanjo

By Femi Ogbonnikan In Abeokuta

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the death of a former chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Anthony Anenih, as end of one of the most inspiring chapters of the nation’s political history.

The former Minister for Works died on Sunday at 85.

Obasanjo, in a condolence letter addressed to the head of Anenih’s family, copy of which was made available by his Special Assistant (Media), Kehinde Akinyemi, to newsmen in Abeokuta, on Monday, stated that Chief Anenih lived a well-fulfilled life and God had been very kind to him in many ways.

According to Obasanjo, “Chief Tony Anenih’s life was an archetypal lesson in public service and leadership at its best. He had to himself a life full of accomplishments and meritorious services to the local and national communities.

“He served the nation with devotion and diligence in his chosen profession. His service in the Nigeria Police Force was distinguished by high professional standard.
“He was an epitome of humility and quiet dignity, both in service and retirement, even though he rose to the rank of Commissioner of Police before retirement,” said former President.

Obasanjo, who appointed Anenih as Minister of Works in 1999, added that, “in the course of a lifetime of remarkable contributions to the political sector of our nation, he (Anenih) became a national icon and an authentic role model; one of the outstanding leaders of our generation.

“His political contribution to the Fourth Republic, notably as the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing under my able leadership as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was stabilising.

“Indeed, he was a patriot and a nationalist of no mean order, who belonged to that rare breed of Nigerians whose interests and associations cut across all sections – tribe, language, region, religion and social status,” Obasanjo said.

While condoling with the head of the Anenih family, people and government Edo state, Obasanjo stated further, “it is understandable that you and other members of the family would feel a sense of loss at the transition of a man who has, for many years, served as patriarch, mentor and pillar for the family and Uzenema-Arue community in Uromi, Edo State.

“As we continue to draw inspiration from Chief Tony Anenih’s legacies and re-commitment to upholding, deepening and expanding those numerous positive contributions that he had made to Nigeria, I pray that God Almighty will grant us all the fortitude to bear this great loss, and may his gentle soul find eternal repose.”