Esan Elders Forum mourn, pay glowing tributes to Anenih

Tony Anenih

Tony Anenih

AS preparations get in top gear for the burial of the former chairman of the Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, a group, Esan Elders Forum has described the deceased politician as a bridge builder whose towering experience in politics, has on several occasions, saved the ship of the Nigeria state from drifting needlessly and aimlessly into the precipice.

In a statement in Benin yesterday, the elders eulogised the former Minister of Works who passed on October 28 in Abuja at 84 as a great man whose likes are rare in every generation.

The statement was jointly signed by the Vice-chairman, Prof Patrick Onolemhenmhen, the treasurer, Sir Sunny Ehiagwina,

Mr Lawrence Odiase, the Public Relations Officer, Prof Godwin Okogun, Sir Patrick Odine, Dr Teddy Abdullahi Ikhuoria and Mr Fortune Ebadan.

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They noted that the late Iyasele of Esanland was a kind and compassionate man who positively impacted the lives of the poor and the needy by putting smiles on sad faces both at home and abroad.

The elders added: “Anenih was not only the defender and promoter of Esan traditional institutions, cultural heritage and values but also, as the acclaimed generalissimo of Nigeria’s politics contributed immensely to the rapid socio-economic and political growth and development of Esanand.”

While praying God to comfort and strengthen his family, the Esan nation and the entire country, Nigeria, they said that Esanland and all of Edo state and the nation in general, mourn this colossal loss of an irreplaceable leader, mentor, philanthropist and guiding light of the high and low.

To the Esan elders, Anenih fondly called Mr Fix it was a detribalised builder of men, a politician of uncanny dexterity with an unfathomable accommodating spirit who no doubt, will be missed by all, friends and foes alike, no matter their political affiliations.

They mourned: “Anenih’s is the story is that of a man who knew why God sent him to this world and worked tirelessly all his life to realise that divine purpose. In the process, he raised up many little Anenihs across the country.

“He was great, yet humble; he achieved so much, yet would never boast; so kind and generous, yet never encouraged publicity; with so large an army of followers, yet remains ever peaceful. What a great man we have lost!”

S-Davies Wande