By Our Reporters
LAGOS—THE rank of Nigeria’s founding fathers was depleted further, Wednesday, with the death of frontline nationalist and elder statesman, Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro. He died after a protracted battle with diabetes at his GRA residence in Benin City at the age of 87.
Chief Enahoro was admitted at the intensive unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, on November 1, and was discharged two weeks later. He died yesterday morning at about 5.30 a.m. The sad news occured barely one week after the people of Edo State lost their their First Lady, Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole.
The incident further compounded the sorrow of Nigerians particularly the people of Edo State. When the news circulated, several shops and businesses closed down as this was the first time in its history that the state would lose two personalities in just a week. Incidentally, Enahoro is from the same Edo Central senatorial district where Mrs Oshiomhole also hailed.
Consequently, a close source to the Iyasele of Esanland and former Chairman Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Anthony Anenih, told Vanguard that the Leader received the news with shock, wondering what had befallen his people. Chief Anenih is also from the district, and his title, the Iyasele, means the Prime Minister of Esanland.
How he died
A family source informed Vanguard that he slept without any complaint on Tuesday night but that at about 4 a.m, the children went to see him in his room after they heard his voice. It was discovered that he was not breathing well, and was struggling for breath.
Pa Enahoro
Vanguard further gathered that after they tried to help him, he informed them that he needed to rest. And shortly after that he clapped his hand like he was in deep prayers, thereafter he laid down on the bed and gave up the ghost.
When newsmen arrived his residence yesterday, the place was still scanty because many people were yet to believe he died actually. However, one of the sons, Eugene Enahoro, confirmed his death, explaining that he died in his sleep.
He said the family will release a statement later in the day after they might have met with family members. The death of foremost journalist, anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist, threw the pro-democracy community into mourning yesterday because of his evergreen usefulness, resourcefulness and relevance in nation-building.
Among those who paid glowing tributes to the mover of the first motion for Nigeria’s independence were President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP leader, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Afenifere stalwart, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Ambassador Segun Olusola and presidential aspirant of the Enahoro-led National Reformation Party, NRP, Dr Sam Nwanti.
Enahoro lived a fulfilled life – President Jonathan
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said he received the news of the death with sadness. A statement by Mr. Ima Niboro, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), said: “On behalf of himself, his family, the government and people of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Chief Enahoro’s family and the government and people of Edo State.
President Jonathan urged Chief Enahoro’s family to take solace in the knowledge that he lived a very fulfilled life of patriotic service to the nation.”
General Gowon: “I am so sorry. It is very sad indeed that we have to lose such a great man, who was very active in the struggle for actualising independent Nigeria. He was also a very active politician who did a lot for Nigeria.
See photos of Pa Enahoro here
I recall him as my Federal Commissioner for Information and through that position he occupied in my government, he ensured excellence and displayed understanding in bringing Nigeria to the fore. He had to survive a lot of prisons with (late Chief Obafemi) Awolowo and when Awolowo joined me in holding Nigeria together, Anthony Enahoro always showed cooperation and made relentless effort at making Nigeria truly strong. I am very sad at his death. May his soul rest in peace.”
It’s a great loss – Chief Obasanjo
“It is a great loss to the nation. If you remember Chief Enahoro moved the motion for the independence of Nigeria in the fifties, and the likes of Enahoro will be very difficult to find in Nigeria. He was committed, dedicated and a nationalist and patriotic leader for the kind of politics played in his time. It may be difficult to still find the likes of Enahoro in this generation. Well in any generation, you could still find people who are selfless and dedicated to the cause.
Such people need to be given the opportunity, they need the space to show what they can do, but when the space is closed for them, then they can do nothing. I believe that the best way to immortalise a patriot and a nationalist is to make sure that what he has done is not in vain. May the gentle soul of Enahoro rest in peace. I am very saddened by the news of his death.”
Alhaji Balarabe Musa: “The late nationalist was a very modest leader and was committed to the unity of Nigeria. He was the first person who moved the motion demanding for the independence of Nigeria, I have known him for a long time since colonial times but we never came close until in the 70s when he was the Federal Commissioner for Information.
I met him 1990 and closely in 2000, particularly in 2003 after the elections when we formed a more authentic progressive group, which led to the Mega Summit Movement, MSM. He continued to lead the progressive movement until his death. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
NGE celebrates Enahoro at death
A statement by President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye said: “The Guild has received the news of the death of Pa Anthony Enahoro today, (yesterday) with gratitude to God for a life spent in the service of humanity. Although a star had indeed fallen, the testimonial of the life he lived does not warrant sorrow.
Pa Enahoro was not just a great Nigerian and nationalist who moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence. He was first of all a great journalist and editor of repute – having edited The Comet, a member of the Zik’s chain of newspapers. “He was a fighter for justice, a crusader for the the emancipation of the oppressed. He dared the British colonialists.
He confronted the internal colonialists of the First Republic even when it meant he had to face treason trial. He confronted the evil of disintegration as Information Minister. Nigeria has indeed lost a great hero.
Senate President, David Mark: “It took wisdom, courage and determination of a visionary leader like Enahoro to first move a motion for independence for our dear country in 1953 at the time when he was a member of the Federal House of Representatives. We have lost a great African, a foremost parliamentarian, father of modern Nigeria and a man of many positive parts.
He stood up to save our people. He rose up to the challenge and dared British imperialists. He restored the dignity of African man and gave hope where there was none. Until his death he was an apostle of true federalism where every citizen has a right to pursue his or her God given potentials without ethnic or religious inhibitions.”
He pushed country to manifest destiny —Gov Mimiko
: “Pa Enahoro, in all his dealings and utterances was focused on evolving values that will make the Nigerian federation a unit where all components will feel wanted and loved. Faced with destabilising realities, he recommended the need for a national dialogue to redefine the relationship between the numerous interests so as to avoid debilitating acrimony and unending discord.
Enahoro and his compatriots were so eager to push this country to its manifest destiny that they exhibited open and remarkable opposition to the deliberately slow de-colonisation process of the British.”
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State: “I was struck by the depth of Enahoro’s love for Nigeria that even in ill health and at the age of 87, he was still actively seeking solutions to our problems. Enahoro’s life of public service posed a challenge to all Nigerians, his death challenges us.
The honour we owe his good name and good works is to ensure that his labours would not be in vain. Those of us coming after him ought to improve on the contributions of our founding fathers. But I do not know how many in our generation that can match his progressive spirit.”
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State: “Nigeria will miss a man of honour and integrity who sacrificed for the birth of the nation http://nigeriamasterweb.com/paperfrmes.html |
