“His role as Board of Trustees of the PDP appropriately marked him as ‘Mr. Fix it,’ for his uncommon political moves,” governor [Amosun] added.
Laide Raheem, Abeokuta, Tony Osauzo, Benin and Okwe Obi, Abuja
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has said the death of former minister of Works, Chief Tony Anenih, is a great loss to the nation, describing him as an uncommon politician.
The governor, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Adedayo Adeneye, yesterday, said the late Anenih was a distinguished Nigerian and worthy statesman.
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“His foray into politics left unforgettable marks, notable of which is his staunch support as the national chairman of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), for the late Chief MKO Abiola, which enabled him emerge as the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“His role as deputy national coordinator of the Olusegun Obasanjo Campaign Organisation in the 1999 and 2003 elections and chairman, Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), appropriately marked him as ‘Mr. Fix it,’ for his uncommon political moves,” the governor added.
Anenih’s kinsman and former Edo State governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, said the passing-on of the Iyasele of Esanland was a personal loss to him.
Chief Igbinedion, in a message of condolence to the Anenih family, said his death has created a huge vacuum in the political life of Edo state and Nigeria, at large.
He described the late politician as “an enigma of note and a bridge builder with a large heart,” and enjoined his political sons and daughters, associates, friends and well-wishers to take consolation in the fact that “the late Chief Anenih invested his time, life and resources in the mentoring and development of humanity.”
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has described Anenih as a man who lived a life of tremendous service for the development of the country.
SDP National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Muhammed, in a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday, further commiserated with the Anenih family and the people of Edo state.
“Chief Anenih was one of those who fought and earned our current democracy.
“He strongly believed that the unity and stability of the nation under a democratic government is not negotiable.
“This was vividly reflected in his past roles on related issues, in the political history of our country.
“For his good deeds and contributions towards peace and stability of the country, his name would continue to appear in gold whenever the history of this country is being re-written,” he concluded.