Businessman and politician, Mr Tony Anenih Jnr said on Saturday in Benin that his late father and astute politician, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih was a disciplined and detribalized Nigerian who tended to the needs of all who came his way without discrimination.
Anenih Jnr, who is the organising secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, spoke at the fifth memorial anniversary held in Benin to honour the patriarch of Anenih family of Uzenema-Arue community at Uromi in Esan Northeast local government area of Edo State.
The immediate past minister of state for budget and National Planning and governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress 9APC), Prince Clem Agba, took the opportunity of the reception to heap the moral burden on the Edo State chapter of the PDP by tasking the party to cede its 2024 governorship ticket to Mr Tony Anenih Jnr.
Anwnih Jnr said discipline and interactions devoid of tribalism were the virtues that made his late father succeed in his political career and other ventures.
At the mass service held at St. Paul Catholic Church, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Pascal Omolon who prayed for the repose of the soul of Chief Anenih, also eulogised the politician whom he described as a man who came to lift the Nigerian people and the Catholic Church to which he dedicated his times and resources.
In a lecture that he delivered in his honour, the director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts and visiting professor at the Emerald Energy Institute at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr Sam Amadi, described the late Anenih, among other commendations, as a man who had demonstrated a true sense of uncommon leadership.
Those who spoke at the reception included a former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, who described chief Anenih as an authentic leader, who deserved the moniker of “The Leader” because of the trusted and dependable leadership he provided his teeming followers.
Ibori said the late Chief Tony Anenih was a father and a practical role model, who made him and numerous others in the politics of Nigeria.
Others who graced the anniversary event included a former National Chairman of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi (Akinrogun of Ife and PDP chieftain); former Minister of Aviation, AVM Anthony Okpere retd; former Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolememen; serving Edo Central zone senator, Monday Okpebholo (aka Akpakomiza); immediate past Edo Central senator, Clifford Ordia among others.