Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, has retired from partisan politics, saying he has no point to prove any longer. Anenih, 83, who announced his retirement from active politics, yesterday, at the presentation of his autobiography: “My Life and Nigerian Politics,’’ also stressed the need for Nigerians, irrespective of political leanings, to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to pull the country out of recession.
His words: “I am persuaded that I have no more ambition or any point to prove in politics. I am, therefore, glad to declare that, from today, I shall be withdrawing from active partisan politics. I shall, however, continue to avail the country of my experience, give suggestions and offer advice, as a statesman.”
The former Works Minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo said the prevailing wind of economic recession in Nigeria required all hands on deck and collaborative efforts to surmount it.
“I, therefore, urge Nigerians to persevere and hope for better tomorrow. We must support and pray that God will give the President the wisdom and vision to steer the country away from recession to prosperity,’’ he said.
However, immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who was at the event, appealed to Anenih, who political associates call ‘Mr. Fix It,’ to rescind the decision because the octogenarian’s experience in security and politics would be wasted if he quit politics at this time. “You may not be in position to attend political meetings but you are our political leader until God decides that you will leave us. The country is passing through political stages (and) your experience and wisdom will be required to direct us and stabilise the nation. We will excuse you from attending night meetings, BoT meetings but you will continue to mentor us, we will continue to consult you,” Jonathan pleaded.
Thanking God for strength, inspiration and protection, Anenih said he wrote the book to provide lessons and encouragement to future generations. He said: “I am hopeful that the lessons of fortitude, hard work, diligence, loyalty and service, which have been manifest in my life, would give encouragement to all those who are serving as well as those who aspire to serve our great fatherland. My cardinal focus and objective have always been to be an agent of positive development, unity and brotherhood in Nigeria.
“In the course of my political career, I have interacted with all manner of people and institutions. I have seen people at their best and at their worst; I have worked with reliable people as well as fickle people; I have experienced undiluted loyalty and disloyalty from unexpected places. I have always tried to make the best of all situations. I can, therefore, say, with great pride, that I feel fulfilled in politics.”
Notable personalities at the occasion were former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, (retd), who chaired the event, two former Vice Presidents, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and Arc. Namadi Sambo and Professor Jerry Gana, who represented the book presenter, General TY Danjuma, retd.
(Vanguard )
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