TONY Anenih, chief, frontline politician, former Minister of Works and elder statesman, yesterday died at 85 after being in and out of hospitals in London and Abuja.
Anenih’s death was announced in a statement by his family last night, signed by his son Anthony Anenih Jr.
The family said: “Our patriarch, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, passes on… to the glory today (yesterday) after a brief illness.”
“A beloved patriarch, he enjoyed God’s uncommon grace while alive. We will all sorely miss him. But his legacies live on,” the statement added.
President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his heatfelt condolences to the family.
He 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.”
A statement by presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said: “As a frontline figure in the annals of our country’s political history, the President attests that Chief Anenih 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 PDP, and a former Minister of Works.
“President Buhari affirms 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.
“The President prays almighty God to grant Chief Anenih’s soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn the octogenarian.”
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic PartyAlhaji Atiku Abubakar in a tweet, said: “The passing away of Chief Tony Anenih, one of the founding fathers and elder statesmen of @OfficialPDPNig is a sad news to me and everyone who had a close & personal relationship with him.“I pray for strength and comfort for his family. May God grant his soul a peaceful repose.”
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, wrote on Twitter, “Chief Tony Anenih, was a consummate elder statesman who played several defining roles throughout Nigeria’s democracy.
He will be remembered for his great patriotism and his insight into national issues. He will be dearly missed.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara described Anenih’s death as a huge loss not only to Edo state but to the nation.
“We have lost a father, counselor, leader par excellence and a patriot who gave his all for the unity of this country”
Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson said Nigeria “lost a political colossus”
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs Daniel Alabrah, Dickson said he received the news of Chief Anenih’s passing with shock.
He described Anenih as an astute politician and elder statesman whose vacuum will be difficult to fill.
“Chief Anenih was a political icon, a nationalist and a great leader of men. He was a political colossus. His passing has created a huge vacuum in our political landscape that will be difficult to fill,” he said.
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