Are there still two Romans living such as these?The last of all the Romans, fare thee well – William Shakespeare (1564-1616) in Julius Caesar.
There is no better way of describing this iroko of a Nigerian of Edo in origin; this iconic prodigy of a politician par excellence and this pan-Nigerian Nationalist of a collosus, than to use the above words.
He was an unforgettable politician who brought colour, candour, exoticism, mystique, enchantment, effervescence and glamour to bear on politics and politicking.
Never since the days of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa) and Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe (the man of timber, obeche, iroko and caterpillar), had we beholden a man so deft in political sagacity, acuity, percipience, perspicacity, shrewdness and strategic discernment.
Chief Anenih was brutally frank, honest and sincere to a fault. I was close enough to him to know these facts first hand.
He was like a father to me, always giving free elderly advice laden with wisdom and perception.
He wore humility like a second skin. Easily accessible and gregarious, yet oximoronically shy and taciturn, Chief Tony Anenih, ever sartorial and dignifying in carriage, will be missed in the political space of Nigeria as a resonating voice in an oasis of fear and silence.
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He, it was, who joined other forces to bring about democracy in 1999, after the better forgotten annulment of the June 12, 1993 fairest, freest and most credible election ever held in Nigeria.
To say that this patriarch of many mentees stamped his political feet on the sands of time is a gross understatement.
Popularly called Mr Fix It for his uncommon political navigational skills and proactive dexterity in wading into and solving complex governance, and political logjams and puzzles, the Iyasele of Esanland was an embodiment of what principled politicians should be.
He saw politics from the nationalistic prism of inclusivity, uniting Nigeria and giving her peace, unity, stability, cohesion, justice, equity and egalitarianism.
He never discriminated against anyone on the basis of his gender, religion, tribe or station in life.
His soft spoken nature was a mere veneer and coating for a steady personae, one who was hard on principles and discipline.
Chief Anenih came. He saw. And he conquered. Vini, Vidi, Vici. Let us not mourn, but celebrate this African octopoidal octogenarian.
It was calpurnia, wife of Julius Caesar, who, while begging her husband not to venture out on the ideas of March (the day he was later killed), made the memorable speech: When beggars die, there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of Princes.
Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, CFR, easily fits into this narrative. God, grant his soul eternal repose. God, grant his entire family the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Amen.
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