Chief Anthony Anenih was a great man of his kind, a man of difference. Passed on leaving pains to Nigerians. A man who has joined hands to fight for our
domecracy. A political icon, who has added value to our politics. He is the grandfather of many politicians, he has groomed up so many children in politics and outside politics, today now who are Governors in state and federal house of assembly.
He was one time chairman of the people Democratic party; PDP. Born 22 August, 1933.
Chief Anthony Anenih: A Tribute.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria where i was the President in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress decided to down tools in 2007 not quite long after President Umaru Musa Yar Adua’s inauguration.
The disagreement was over fuel hike and the sale of the refineries. While PENGASSAN and TUC were against the sale, due to the violation of due process, NOT against the sale; (story for another day).
In the heat a Labour leader i respected leaked our strategy. How did i know you make ask ? It was a cool evening in my hotel when suddenly my phone rang . On the other end was Chief Anthony Anenih in a very subtle voice, introduced himself. He went on to say ” I have just learnt from Babagana Kingibe that you are an Esan man ” I then greeted him in my local language. He went on “why haven’t you come to see me ” he asked? {voice rising } I virtually had no reply. i guess our ideological leaning didn’t merge, so i imagined.
He went on to say ” report i have, says you are the problem” he listed everything planned on our side. I told him our grudge. Surprisingly he wasn’t raising the voice anymore. Told me this “will be reported to President”
We met the President in company of three other very important Nigerians whose names i won’t mention and most of the Union”s request was granted without written document and implemented in faces. To this day only that administration reduced pump price of petrol without Playing politics with it,
Why do i respect this great Nigeria? Chief Anthony Anenih was behind the scene in resolving problems without taking credit. He is not an in your face politician but a strategist.
Hate him or love him ,what you can’t deny him, is his ability to get result. A bridge builder who belives in the unity of this country as alluded to by President Buhari in his press statement.
Was he perfect in all his dealings? of course not.
He has shortcomings like everyone.”He who have no sin, let him cast the first stone”?. He may not have conquered all, yet he gave his all.
A great loss to the Esan people in particular and Nigeria in general.
Goodbye to the Iyasele of Esanland.
Rest peacefully
SIGNED:
Comrade Peter Esele.
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