Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday pleaded with former Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih not to abandon the PDP as well as quitting partisan politics.
Chief Anenih announced his retirement from active politics on Saturday at the presentation of his autobiography, “My Life and Nigerian Politics.”
“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,” Anenih told his audience.
But former President Goodluck Jonathan appealed that he should rescind his decision. Jonathan, who was among distinguished personalities that attended the book presentation, said Anenih’s experience in security and politics would be wasted if he makes good his decision to quit politics at this time.
“You may not be in position to attend political meetings but you are our political leader until God decides that you will leave us. The country is passing political stages (and) your experience and wisdom will be required to direct us and stabilise the nation.
“We will excuse you from attending night meetings, BoT meetings but you will continue to mentor us, we will continue to consult you,” Jonathan pleaded.
The former President, who admitted that he has not attended any PDP meetings since he left office, however declared “I am still a member of PDP and will continue to be in PDP.” Anenih is the fourth chieftain of PDP to leave the party since 2015.
Others who had withdrawn their membership were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani. The former BoT Chairman, who expressed gratitude to God for strength, inspiration and protection, said he decided to write the book to provide lessons and encouragement to future generations.
“I am hopeful that the lessons of fortitude, hard work, diligence, loyalty and service, which have been manifest in my life, would give encouragement to all those who are serving as well as those who aspire to serve our great fatherland.
“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 declared.
Other distinguished personalities that graced the occasion were former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), who chaired the event, two former Vice Presidents, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and Arc. Namadi Sambo. The book presenter, General TY Danjuma (rtd) was represented by Professor Jerry Gana who described Chief Anenih as a courageous man who has produced three presidents, governors and members of the legislature.
