Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has condoled with the government and people of Edo State over the demise of elder statesman, Chief Tony Anenih who died on Sunday at the age of 85.
Dogara, in a condolence message on Sunday in Abuja, described Chief Anenih’s death 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 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,” Dogara said.
Also, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commiserated with the family members, government and the people of Edo on the death of former Minister of Works, Chief Tony Anenih, who died on Sunday at 85 years in Abuja.
The governor’s condolence was conveyed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu on Sunday in Asaba.
He described the late Iyasele of Esanland (Anenih), as a committed patriot who served the nation at the highest levels with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of elder statesman and former Chairman Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih (CFR), who passed on at the age of 85 years.
“He was a committed patriot, an astute politician and a former Minister of Works who worked to better the lots of his people and Nigerians in general.
“Through his purposeful leadership and development strides, the late Anenih influenced the dualisation of the Benin-Asaba Road, Benin-Warri Road and the Benin bypass road which brought about unprecedented development to the Niger Delta region,” Okowa said.
He said that as a democrat, late Anenih etched his name in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic advancement by working courageously for the emergence and consolidation of the Fourth Republic in 1999 when he joined forces with other leaders to form the PDP.
Before venturing into politics, Chief Anenih retired from the Nigeria Police Force as a Commissioner of Police.
The governor said the deceased bestrode Nigeria’s political landscape like a colossus where he mentored several successful politicians across the country.
“His good works as a dedicated family man, selfless politician and great philanthropist as well as his ability to consistently, at every turn, resolve knotty political puzzles would later earn him the sobriquet – “Mr. Fix It” which would continue to live after him.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I convey our deepest sympathy to the Anenih family, the people of Uromi and Esan Land, Edo State, and the rest of the country.
“May his soul find eternal repose in the bosom of the Almighty God,” the governor said. (NAN)
