Former minister of works and one-time Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
the Peoples democratic party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, said yesterday that
he would not celebrate his 85 birthday with pomp, citing the sad state of
the nation as one of the reasons.
Anenih will be 85 years old on Saturday, August 4, 2018.
He said in a statement he personally issued and released in Abuja ahead of
the occasion that much as he desired to celebrate the milestone, he was
unable, for some well-considered reasons, to fulfill the earnest desire.
According to him, “There is no doubt that attaining a milestone of 85
years on earth is a privilege enjoyed by a few; and, it is, therefore, an
occasion worth celebrating with loved ones and friends.
“On reflections, however, whilst I remain grateful to God for His
unfailing love and sustenance that have kept me all through the years, I
am, sadly, unable to fulfill this earnest desire to celebrate the
milestone because of the unfortunate recent losses that befell my family
in quick succession, the condition of my health and the sad state of the
nation that has witnessed so much losses, bloodshed and apprehension.
“Nonetheless, I sincerely appreciate the effort being made by government
and some influential Nigerians to restore peace. I believe that with
prayers and faith in God, there is hope for restoration of peace and good
neighborliness in Nigeria soon and in the years ahead.”
He urged all well-meaning Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora to be
united in purpose and join in prayers for God’s intervention in the
affairs of our nation.
“Indeed, members of my immediate family have decided to respect my
decision and they have already canceled initial arrangements to celebrate
my 85th birthday with pomp,” he said.
The Iyasele of Esanland said “while I pray to the Almighty God to perfect
my health and give me the grace to witness many more years on earth, I
believe that the future holds a great promise of wonderful times to get
together for birthday celebrations and other festivities.”