Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has expressed sadness over the death of Tony Anenih (CFR), whom he described as “a patriotic Nigeria, committed patriot and an astute politician.”
He said this while commiserating with the family members, the government and the people of Edo State on the death of the former Minister of Works, who died on Sunday.
The governor also condoled with the family of the late Iyasele of Esanland, describing him as “a committed patriot who served our nation at the highest levels with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication.”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, in Asaba on Sunday, which was made available to The Next Edition, the Governor said he was saddened by the demise of the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of elder statesman and former Chairman Board of Trustees of the PDP, 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,”
The statement further noted that it was Anenih’s purposeful leadership and development strides that influenced the dualisation of the Benin Asaba road, Benin Warri Road and the Benin bypass road which brought about quantum development to the Niger Delta region.
Governor Okowa said that as a democrat, Anenih has written 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 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.”
READ ALSO: Buhari mourns Anenih, condoles with family
Okowa further eulogised the late Anenih: “Before venturing into politics, Chief Tony Anenih retired from the Nigeria Police Force as a Commissioner of Police and 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 State, 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.”
