Obasanjo, Babangida, Jonathan, others pay tributes to Anenih

FORMER presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), Goodluck Jonathan and former Senate presidents Anyim Pius Anyim, Ken Nnamani and David Mark, yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Tony Anenih.

Also, former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, governors Ifeanyi Okowa, Samuel Ortom and Seriake Dickson of Delta, Benue and Bayelsa states, among others, condoled with Anenih’s family.

Obasanjo described the death of Anenih as an end of one of the most inspiring chapters of the nation’s history.

In a condolence message to the deceased’s family, he noted that the late former Minister of Works lived a well-fulfilled life even as God was kind to him in many ways.

Describing him as a master strategist, Babangida said Anenih was a charismatic elder statesman who had unique passion for providing solutions to governance of the country.

In his tribute yesterday, IBB said the death of the octogenarian, is a big loss to the country’s political scene, especially at this crucial time of electioneering campaigns.

Jonathan has said Anenih will be missed for his knack for initiating well-considered strategies for political stability in the country.

A former Chief of Staff to Jonathan, Mike Oghiadome, Senator Clifford Ordia, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Vice Chairman (North West) were among callers at his residence.

However, Jonathan, said in a statement issued by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, that Anenih’s exit is a sad loss to the PDP and the nation, just as he stressed that Nigerians will miss Anenih’s rich political experience, patriotism and wis- dom for national cohesion, growth and development.

Nnamani said Anenih was able to make difficult and complex political issues look very simple, while Mark described it as a huge loss to the nation and devastating to the political class.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu in Asaba, Okowa while conveying his condolences to the family of the late Iyasele of Esanland, described him as a committed patriot, who served the country at the highest levels with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication.

Igbinedion in a condolence message to the Anenih family, issued by his spokesman, Mark Nkworji in Benin City, said his death has created a huge vacuum in the political life of Edo State and Nigeria at large. Also, immediate past Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Professor Michael Ibadin described the passing of Anenih as shocking and a huge loss to the country.

Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, said the death of Anenih is a big loss to the country.

Ortom, in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, described the late Anenih as a father to all, a versatile administrator and patriot, who was very passionate about the country.