A former Minister of Works, Chief Tony Anenih has said he would not celebrate his 85th birthday anniversary coming up this Saturday because of violent killings in the country which have claimed many lives.
Anenih who was a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said in a statement on Monday that his state of health was another reason he decided not to celebrate.
“Whilst I remain grateful to God, for His unfailing love and sustenance that have kept me all through the years, I am, sadly, unable to fulfil this earnest desire to celebrate the milestone because of the unfortunate recent losses that befell my family in quick succession, the condition of my health and the sad state of the nation that has witnessed so much losses, bloodshed and apprehension.
“Nonetheless, I sincerely appreciate the effort being made by government and some influential Nigerians to restore peace. I believe that with prayers and faith in God, there is hope for restoration of peace and good neighbourliness in Nigeria soon and in the years ahead,” he said.
The Iyasele of Esanland said members of his immediate family have decided to respect his decision and have cancelled initial arrangements to celebrate his 85th birthday with pomp.
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