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Tag: Anenih

  • Apologise to Nigerians rather than cast aspersions, Timi Frank tells Anenih

    Apologise to Nigerians rather than cast aspersions, Timi Frank tells Anenih

    The suspended Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank said yesterday that the former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees, Tony Anenih should apologise to Nigerians for the damage he and other did the Nigerians  rather than casting aspersions on  Nigerians.

    Frank said in a statement in Abuja that Chief Anenih should tell Nigerians one good thing he will be remembered for as a politician, adding that he also helped to destroy his own party, the PDP.

    Chief Anenih, who served as the Minister of Works and Housing between 1999 and 2002, had said in his book, titled ‘My Life and Nigerian Politics,’ which was presented in Abuja, at weekend, that Atiku became too ambitious during the build-up to the 2003 presidential election in which Obasanjo was seeking a second term.

    He said Chief Anenih lied on his 2003 account, adding that more than 22 PDP governors were strongly behind Atiku to contest the Presidency but choose to stepped down for his boss because of his loyalty.

    He said it was out of place for Chief Anenih to described the former Vice-president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as a ambitious politician “when he himself was more desperate than Atiku who had opportunity to become President in the past but remained loyal to his boss. “

    He said: “it is high time Chief Anenih should also tell the world the kind of legacy he is leaving behind in all his years in politics. Baba Anenih’s desperation to remain in the corridor of power made him to force former Goodluck Jonathan to run again in 2015 when he knew he (Jonathan) couldn’t win.

    “Chief Tony Anenih has lost the moral right to talk about  former Vice President Atiku Abubarkar or any other Nigerian for that matter seeing that he is one of the reasons Nigeria and especially the Niger Delta region  is where we are today.

    “What has Anenih done for the Niger Delta where he comes from? Instead of using his position to help the Niger delta and Nigeria at large to find lasting solutions to its numerous challenges, he choosed to support third term agenda.

    “Under his watch as Minister of Works, 300 Billion Naira disappeared into thin air. As NPA chairman, what positive contribution did he make for the benefit of Nigeria? Even in the South-South where Anenih comes from, Atiku a Northerner has touched people’s lives positively in terms of job employment more than Anenih will ever do in his life time. Anenih is not called Mr fixer for no reason, he helped put Nigeria and Nigerians in the fix we find ourselves today.

  • Anenih rejects ‘Mr Fix It’ appellation

    Anenih rejects ‘Mr Fix It’ appellation

    •Says it connotes mischief

    A former chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, has rejected the “Mr. Fix It” appellation ascribed to him.

    He earned the appellation owing to his streak of maverick political exploits in winning elections for his choice candidates or political party at different election circles.

    The politician expressed reservations about the appellation on page 165 of his 257-paged autobiography titled My Life And Nigerian Politics, which was unveiled in Abuja yesterday.

    Anenih stated, “I am aware that some people call me ‘Mr. Fix It’. I think such people call me that name, either in contempt or in admiration. It is possible that they are being mischievous.

    “A few questions arise here. Am I ‘Mr. Fix It’ as a reformer or someone who always does things right? Am I being portrayed as one who gets things settled or fixed? Am I being held out as someone who, by hook or crook achieves results with the belief that the end justifies the means?

    “In any case, I do not enjoy this appellation. I have always believed in what I do and I always make sure I achieve success, without listening to the crowd of voices. If I am called an achiever, that sounds more complimentary, satisfying and positive than the ambiguous impression which ‘Mr. Fix It’ connotes”.

    Speaking at the unveiling of the book, Anenih said he wrote the book to provide lessons and encouragement for this and future generations.

    He expressed the hope that the lessons of fortitude, hard work, diligence, loyalty and service, which have been manifest in his life, would give encouragement to all those who are serving as well as those who aspire to serve the country.

    “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”, he said.

    The octogenarian, who announced his exit from partisan politics, said he no longer had any ambition in politics or any point to prove in partisan politics.

    Said he, “I am persuaded that I have no more ambition nor 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.”

    He urged Nigerians to unite in confronting the current economic recession in the country, saying it’s a national predicament that must be confronted, irrespective of political leanings.

    “I therefore, want to urge all Nigerians to persevere and hope for a better tomorrow. We must support and pray that God will give President Muhammadu Buhari the wisdom and vision to steer this country away from recession to prosperity.”

    The ceremony, which was held at the International Conference Centre, was attended by a number of prominent citizens, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.

    Others at the event were former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; a former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, who was represented by Prof. Jerry Gana.

    Others include a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Chairman of the PDP BoT, Senator Walid Jibrin, a former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa among others.

    Billionaire businessmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr. Mike Adenuga also sent representatives to the event.

    Prof. Gana, who presented the book on behalf of Gen. Danjuma, said Anenih remained a role model in the country’s political landscape and described him as a leader with vision and courage.

    Gana credited Anenih with the emergence of three presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Umaru Yar’ Adua and Jonathan under the platform of the PDP.

    Dr. Jonathan said Chief Anenih helped in building the PDP, saying he played a fatherly role and demonstrated leadership qualities.

    Jonathan urged Chief Anenih to see the “Mr. Fix It” appellation ascribed to him as a mark of acknowledgment of his leadership role, instead of seeing it as a connotation of mischief.

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  • PDP leader blames Anenih’s impunity for party’s loss

    PDP leader blames Anenih’s impunity for party’s loss

    • Says former minister played God

    •.Hails Obaseki for victory

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Senator Roland Owie, is not on the same page with other leaders of the party on the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr.Godwin Obaseki, in Wednesday’s governorship election.

    While the generality of PDP leaders have alleged manipulation of the election result in favour of the APC, Owie, Senate  Chief Whip in the Second Republic and PDP elder in the state, said Obaseki deserved victory.

    He said the PDP  could not have won with the way former Minister of Works, Chief Tony Anenih,  was playing god and imposing candidates at will.

    Anenih, he said, was wrong “to impose the deputy governor slot on Esan people after what he did with the governorship slot.”

    Anenih is from Uromi in Esanland.

    Continuing, Owie said: “Any leader who takes political decisions on selfish interests gets destroyed at the end. Such leader is like a spider. Whatever a spider eats turns to poison.

    “Why on earth will Chief Anenih impose a deputy governor on Esan people after what he did with the governorship slot?

    “He has been playing god and now God has told him that all powers belong to God.”

    He was even more damning in his assessment of the votes garnered by the PDP in the election.

    His words: “The higher percentage of the votes our PDP got in this election were votes against hunger and hardship brought by the APC federal government and not for the PDP.”

    “I hope Chief Anenih will enter his house now and allow people of goodwill to re-organise the PDP. I congratulate Godwin Obaseki and not the APC, because there is hunger and hardship in the land.”

    Chief Anenih, who is fondly called Mr. Fix-it by his admirers on account of his political dexterity, is the PDP leader in the state.

    Soon after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr. Obaseki winner on Thursday, Governor Adams Oshiomhole  named Anenih as one of the political godfathers humbled by the APC victory.

    He said: “In Esanland, the senatorial zone of the PDP godfather, we won two out of the five local governments.

    “We gave  him a fight that he managed to escape. He used the factor of his age to play on the emotion of the people.

    “Edo people are now proud they can now determine who rules them and no one godfather can choose a leader for them.”

  • Anenih sues for peace

    Anenih sues for peace

    Former Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, yesterday called for peace among Edo people.

    Anenih made the call after casting his vote at Uzenema Primary School, Urue-Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area at about 8.20 a.m.

    He said that there was need for the people to maintain peace during and after the poll “for the state to have full benefit of democracy”.

    The PDP chieftain expressed satisfaction with the timely arrival of electoral officials and materials, as well as the peaceful conduct of the exercise in the area so far.

    On security arrangement, the former Minister of Works said: “As I said, it is too early to make a general statement”.

    Meanwhile, the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Mr. John Yakubu,also praised the conduct of the election, saying: “Rather than doing accreditation and coming back later to cast your vote, you do everything the same time and this is very good.

    “I am alright with the whole process so far and I hope it continues that way, although I am hearing that there are pockets of violence in few areas around the senatorial district.”

    Yakubu voted at 10.05 a.m. at Unit 8, Ward 3, Esan North-East Local Government Area.

  • Edo poll: Anenih sues for peace

    A former Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, on Wednesday called for peace among the people of Edo as they participated in the governorship election in the state.

    Anenih made the call after casting his vote at Uzenema Primary School, Urue-Uromi, Esan North East local government area of the state at about 8.20 a.m.

    He said there was need for the people to maintain peace during and after the poll “for the state to have full benefit of democracy.”

    The PDP chieftain expressed satisfaction with the timely arrival of electoral officials and materials as well as the peaceful conduct of the exercise in the area so far.

    On security arrangement, the former minister of works said “as I said, it is too early to make a general statement.”

    Meanwhile, the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in Edo, Mr. John Yakubu, has described the simultaneous accreditation and voting in the process as a perfect process.

    “Rather than doing accreditation and coming back later to cast your vote, you do everything the same time and this is very good.

    “I am alright with the whole process so far and I hope it continues that way, although I am hearing that there are pockets of violence in few areas around the senatorial district,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yakubu voted at Unit 8, Ward 3, Esan North-East Local Government Area at 10:05 a.m.

  • Stop threatening me, traditional ruler tells Anenih

    The Onojie of Opoji and Vice Chairman of Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, His Royal Highness (HRH) Ehidiamen Aidonojie I, has told former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, to stop threatening him.

    The royal father said it was an abomination for an Edo chief to insult or threaten a monarch.

    He said his sin was “because I told the world that Esan royal fathers never endorsed Ize-Iyamu”, the PDP governorship candidate.

    The Onojie of Opoji told reporters that he had asked his lawyers to prepare a petition to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Police Commissioner Chris Ezike on the matter.

    He said: “He (Anenih) called me with his glo line, shouting at me that Your Highness I am disappointed in you. I asked him what I have done, he was shouting that what has (Governor Adams) Oshiomhole done for me in my life and I told him to stop insulting me, that even if he is Anenih, that I am a traditional ruler for Christ’s sake.

  • Anenih must be quizzed over attempt on my life, says ex-Edo commissioner Odion

    Anenih must be quizzed over attempt on my life, says ex-Edo commissioner Odion

    Former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, Mr. Louis Odion, has urged operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) to interrogate Chief Tony Anenih over an attempt on his life by suspected assassins in 2012.

    Odion, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), made the call in a statement, copy of which was made available to The Nation yesterday.

    Reacting to the recent directive by the Inspector General of Police to reopen the murder case of former Justice Minister, Chief Bola Ige and other assassinations in the country, Odion said:

    “From the impression we were given early this year that Chief Tony Anenih had become too weak after a heart surgery in London ostensibly to evade being invited by SSS to explain his alleged N300 million share of the Dasuki $15 billion arms loot, it is interesting to see that he has now suddenly thrown the crutches away to be attending political campaign rallies in Edo in the past few weeks.

    “Now that the old Mr. Fix It is back on his feet,  time has come for him to come clean on the open threat to me at the palace of the Oba of Benin on February 17, 2012 and later the assassination attempt on me in Benin City on April 29, 2012.

    “I had addressed a press conference as well as notified the security agencies then even as Edo Information Commissioner, expressing the strong view that Chief Anenih be quizzed on the two incidents because I strongly believe he was not joking when he made the threat to deal with me in February 2012.

    “But because PDP was in power then and Chief Anenih was still the almighty Chairman of PDP BOT, nobody dared asked him to come and explain. They were boasting then that they were in charge of all the security agencies and so could do and undo.

    “Then Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Nduaghan, is a living witness of the incident at the Oba’s palace on that day. I was exchanging pleasantries with him when Chief Anenih walked in and, finger pointing at my face, he said to the hearing of everyone that ‘Odion, you will soon see what will happen to you!’ He said that four times.

    “A day or two later, I addressed a press conference in Benin raising the alarm that Chief Anenih had threatened to eliminate me.

    “I recalled that the then Director of DSS later spoke with me and was of the view that I should have allowed them to handle the matter without me having to go public. But nothing was done to Chief Anenih.

    “Just as I had feared, gunmen stormed my residence on the night of April 29, 2012. They had overpowered my gateman. By divine providence, I was held back at a meeting with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the Government House, which dragged on till the early hours of Sunday (April 30).

    In panic, my folks at home raised the alarm that night, which attracted the community’ vigilante group who responded swiftly and engaged the gunmen in a shoutout. At some point, the gunmen took to their heels.

    “I had called attention then that it just might be that the threat Chief Anenih earlier issued was to be carried out. Nothing was done.

    “Four days later, my colleague in government then,  Olaitan Oyerinde, was not that lucky as he was brutally murdered at his residence in Benin.

    “Curiously, after much public uproar and persistent crusade by Comrade Oshiomhole, the police and the DSS later paraded two sets of suspects for Oyerinde’s murder.

    “Curiously still, the set paraded by the DSS, I am told, confessed they were the ones that earlier came to my house.

    “I renewed my call that Chief Anenih be questioned, but nothing was done because they were in power then.

    “Now that Chief Anenih appears to have fully recovered his health, I believe he is fit enough to be made to answer the charges.

    “Nobody should be above the law of the land.”

  • Ikimi, Igbinedion, Anenih can’t win election in Edo, says Airhiavbere

    Ikimi, Igbinedion, Anenih can’t win election in Edo, says Airhiavbere

    Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2012 election, Major-General Charles Airhiavbere, has said that the trio of Chief Tom Ikimi, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and Chief Tony Anenih cannot win the September 10 election for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    Airhiavbere, who was reacting to the so-called red card issued to Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the All Progressive Congress (APC)  urged the PDP leaders to stop toying with the emotions of the people.

    He said it was unfair for Ikimi to say that former President Goodluck Jonathan was an anti-party leader for allegedly ensuring the success of Oshiomhole in 2012.

    Airhiavbere noted that the leadership structure the PDP leaders were used to has changed.

    The former PDP candidate said Edo PDP leaders were jokers to think of defeating Oshiomhole and the APC because “they have me to deal with”.

    He lambasted Ikimi for referring to the new General Hospital in Benin City, the Edo State capital, as a glorified clinic when he (Ikimi) was paid N350m as a consultant to design the hospital.

    Airhiavbere urged the PDP leaders to bow their heads in shame after being part of a government that ruled and ruined the state between 1999 and 2007.

    He said: “I was the candidate of the PDP in the 2012 governorship elections. For Pastor Ize-Iyamu and Tom Ikimi to say former President Jonathan is an anti-party leader is unfair. They were unfair to Jonathan as a president of this country and a leader of the PDP as at that time.”

    “We have reached a stage where PDP leaders should stop toying with the emotions of Edo people. Ize-Iyamu emergence as the PDP candidate is dead on arrival. How can the PDP win elections here when it can abandon its candidate in 2012.

    “In 2011 and 2012, Chief Tony Anenih told the public that he sold his house to lead the governorship campaign, but today, it is in the public glare that Jonathan sent money for that election. I was an orphan at the tribunal up to the Supreme Court. I know the role the leaders of the party played during my election.

    “They sold Oshiomhole to the Edo people four years ago because of their inordinate ambition. Today, they are not talking about Edo people, they are talking about how Oshiomhole betrayed them. It was because Oshiomhole did not agree with them to give Ize-Iyamu the ticket.”

     

  • Anenih is alive, says Edo PDP

    The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has debunked the rumoured death of a former Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih.

    A statement yesterday in Benin, the state capital, by State Publicity Secretary Chris Osa Nehikhare, said: “We wish to inform the public, especially our supporters in Nigeria and Edo State that Chief Anenih is alive, hale and hearty and will return to Nigeria on Sunday, after a brief visit to the United Kingdom (UK).

    “Please, disregard the media propaganda going on.”

    Anenih’s rumoured death had been trending in the social media.

    Also, two of Anenih’s associates – Chief Dan Orbih and Vincent Akhere – have said the Edo political strongman is alive.

    Orbih, who is the state’s PDP chairman, and Akhere, a party stalwart, said they spoke with him after the social media was awash with reports that he died of cancer at a London hospital.

    They described the rumoured death as a fabrication and handiwork of mischief makers.

    Akhere said Anenih travelled to London on Tuesday, adding that he would be back in the country at the weekend.

    He said: “I spoke with him on phone about 15 minutes ago (yesterday morning). Chief is well, alive and kicking. We joked about the matter. It is true that Chief had a surgery not too long ago, but he is fine now.”

    Orbih said the rumour was unfortunate, adding that the people behind it should ask God for forgiveness.

  • Oshiomhole, Anenih ‘reunite’ in church

    Oshiomhole, Anenih ‘reunite’ in church

    It was a reunion of sorts at the weekend, when Governor Adams Oshiomhole and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, met in church during the 10th anniversary of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Benin City, where the Governor was given an award for his services to the church.

    Oshiomhole, while noting the efforts of the church in nation building, said: “Nigerians are living in relative peace and harmony today, in spite of the failings and weaknesses of political leadership at all levels, due to the power of your intercession, the power of your prayers.

    “We cannot thank you enough for your prayers and your support in spite of our weaknesses.”

    He praised the Catholic Church for bringing people of different political persuasions together under one roof for the church programme.

    He said: “Yesterday, I found myself sitting in the front row, and then, I realised that most of those drivers and shakers of politics and ‘politicking’ in Edo State, are all Catholics. That, for me, is revealing.

    “For me, the church has caused all of us to reunite. So, I reunite with my daddy, Chief Tony Anenih, and several other PDP and APC leaders. And the Catholic Church brought together the National Chairman of APC sitting side-by-side with the National Leader of the PDP.

    “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to moderate our actions and remind us of our oneness, of our commonality and of our shared commitment to work together to uplift our state and our great nation.”

    The governor also thanked the church for the award, saying “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the honour done to me by being invited to receive an award”.

    On his part, Anenih who used the opportunity to say he has ‘forgiven’ the governor whom he referred to as his son, said his immediate past health challenges made him realise the need to rise above politics and embrace peace with all men.

    He said: “I was in St. Paul’s Church in Benin, and as my son, Comrade Adams said, we were all there appreciating the efforts of the Archbishop.

    “I want to say this, it is not because Adams is here. Last night, I was telling my wife that I met Adams in the church, and with my immediate medical experience, I have decided to forgive all those who offended me. And I specifically mentioned Adams.

    “Adams, without you saying it, I have forgiven you. As you said when you were in labour, as President, you were my son and you know it. You came into politics and you remain my son. So, the common cook that used to cook ogbono soup for us is still there.”

    The anniversary was attended by the Edo State APC Chairman, Mr Anselm Ojezua; his PDP counterpart, Mr Dan Orbih; former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor and former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, among others.