Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, said yesterday that he would show more
than a passing interest in issues affecting the nation even though he had,
last year, announced his withdrawal from active partisan politics.
Anenih spoke when he received in audience in his Abuja residence the
Professor Jerry Gana-led Strategy Review and Inter-Party Affairs
Committee. The committee’s mission was to present to him a copy of its
report.
He said the PDP and its leaders should not be embarrassed if they see him
embark on visits to either President Muhammadu Buhari or Vice President
Yemi Osinbajo in order to meet minds on issues of national interest.
The former BoT chairman restated his position, which he made last year at
the public presentation of his book, that he would no longer be available
for night political meetings but would not be hesitant to offer advice to
the PDP if the party leaders decide to tap from his wealth of experience.
He, however had harsh words for the party leaders whom he accused of
promoting their selfish interests, saying “PDP is where it is today
because of selfishness on the part of its leaders, a vast majority of whom
want to be either presidential candidate or national chairman of the
party.”
Anenih also slammed those who benefitted so much from the party and later
defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that was not the
best was to reward a party that offered them its platform to actualize
their aspirations.
“I believe in consistency. I joined party politics in 1978 and since
then, I have never left any party that I joined for another. It is very
shameful that people would do that, particularly those who had benefitted
so much from the PDP,” he said.
He, however, wished the party well in its current effort to reorganize
itself, saying “PDP has a chance to bounce back.”
He said he was happy that the former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan whom
he advised a long time ago to help strengthen the party but was reluctant
to do so, has now expressed readiness to take up the challenge.
He advised party leaders to support Jonathan in the task of reorganizing
and strengthening the party.
Anenih also underscored the necessity for state governors on the platform
of the party to support the party with funding, no matter how minimal.
He tasked the party and its leaders to work harmoniously towards
organizing a credible national convention, pointing out that “I want the
PDP to be strong and united.”
Stressing the importance of peace and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria,
Anenih urged all well-meaning Nigerians, regardless of party affiliations,
to pray for the good health of President Buhari so that he can quickly
return to drive the process of taking the nation out economic recession.
Earlier, Professor Gana said that the committee report would help to
“effectively revive, re-energise and remobilize the party.”
The committee comprises former Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu,
Senator Ibrahim Idah, Professor Rufai Alkali, Dr Bawa Kasali, Senator
Stella Omu, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, former Imo State governor, Chief
Achike Udenwa, Engineer Jide Adeniyi, Hon. Shehu Gabam, Hon Auwal Tukur
and Hon. Margareth Itcheen.