Abubakar urges Nigerians to maintain peace
…as Jonathan, Abubakar, Ekweme, Danjuma, Sambo, others honour Anenih
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has appealed to Nigerians to always maintain peace in the interest of the oneness and progress of the country.
General Abubakar made the appeal at the weekend in Abuja during the unveiling of the book titled, “My Life and Nigerian Politics”, written by a former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih.
The event was graced by the immediate past President of the country, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and two former Vice-Presidents, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and Architech Namadi Sambo among other dignitaries.
The former Head of State, who was the Chairman of the occasion, declared that nothing could be compared to peace in any nation.
He also challenged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of writing books as a way of detailing their experiences in life.
This, he reasoned, would be of tremendous benefit to the incoming younger generation in the country.
The immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in his goodwill message at the ceremony, described Chief Anenih, who is popularly called “Mr Fix It”, as a very resilient and determined person, who always remains “committed to any course he believes in.”
While saying that Chief Anenih is not known to fix things negatively, the immediate past President stated that Chief Anenih always ensured that whatever he believes in succeeds.
While describing the former Chairman of PDP’s BoT as a true national leader, Jonathan said, “he (Anenih) does not emphasis or believe in the issue of North/South divide”, adding that he sees Nigeria as one.
Dr. Jonathan however appealed to Chief Amenih to have a rethink of his decision to quit partisan politics.
Chief Anenih had, earlier in his speech, announced that he was quitting active partisan politics and that he would be thereafter be offering advice to people as an elder statesman.
According to him, “as from today (Saturday), I am withdrawing from active partisan politics. I will only be offering advice as a statesman”.
However, Jonathan appealed to Chief Anenih to reconsider his position, saying, “your experience in politics cannot be wasted. People will continue to come to you. You will continue to be our political leader for as long as you live.
His words: “Your experience, your knowledge and your wisdom are still needed. We plead with you to allow us to continue to consult you in the areas of politics and security. You may not be attending night meetings, but we will still be consulting with you”, he said.
Former Minister of Defence and the book presenter, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), who was represented at the event by former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana, described Anenih as a role model in the political landscape of Nigeria.
Danjuma stressed further that in Chief Anenih, God has produced a resolute, determined and a highly courageous leader for Africa.
He commended Chief Anenih for producing three presidents -Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Dr. Jonathan within the 16 years rule of the President.
Danjuma further described him as a man of excellence and a leader with vision and mission with the fear of God at hear.
Among others in attendance were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi; former Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa; former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Nenadi Usman; former Director-General of the NTA, Dr. Tony Iredia; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloma Mariam Muktar; governorship candidate of the PDP in the last election in Edo state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; PDP Chairman in Edo state, Chief Dan Orbi and Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, former House of Representatives member.
