President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the Anenih family on the death of its beloved patriarch and elder statesman, Chief Anthony Anenih.
The president’s condolence message is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday.
President Buhari also 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.
He described the deceased as a frontline figure in the annals of the country’s political history.
The president attested that Chief Anenih had lived a life of service, as State Chairman of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), chieftain of the PDP, and a former Minister of Works.
He also affirmed that across the political spectrum of Nigeria, late Anenih was known for his strong views on issues pertaining to the unity and stability of the nation.
The President, therefore, prayed almighty God to grant Chief Anenih’s soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourned the octogenarian.
Anenih, 85, died at a private hospital in Abuja on Sunday.
The former Minister of Works and chieftain of the PDP, died in the evening at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 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.