For his part, President Jonathan said the time was ripe for politicians in the country to put an end to ethnic politics.
Anenih, who spoke at the celebration of his 80th birthday in Abuja yesterday, urged former president Olusegun Obasanjo, former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, former head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and former minister of defence Lt-Gen. TY Danjuma to join hands with Jonathan over the security challenge in the country.
“I am looking forward to a day when IBB, Obasanjo, Abdulsalami will sit down with Jonathan for dinner or breakfast in the villa; then I will go home and sleep,” Anenih said. “Nigerians look up to TY Danjuma for help. As we embark on another political journey, Nigerians look up to you sir. I hope you will not fail us.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Jonathan said inflammatory comments made by certain individuals were worrisome, even as he added that Nigeria needs more nationalistic politicians in the mould of Anenih.
“We can learn from him because he has always been a nationalist. From him let’s learn to sing the song of unity and use our cleavages for good and not to promote dis-unity. Some provocative statements have come from elder statesmen who witnessed the civil war. But Tony Anenih has never made such statements; this explains why the hall is filled to capacity today,” Jonathan said.
Obasanjo had earlier led a long list of PDP bigwigs to Our Lady of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Area 3 Garki, for the thanksgiving service held for Chief Anenih’s birthday.
In his homily, Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on public officeholders to stop neglecting the poor, even as he urged them not to condone acts of greed which he blamed for the high level of corruption in the country.
Describing Anenih as an elder statesman and a major political player, Onaiyekan further called on leaders to emulate the commitment to service which he has displayed over the years.
In his vote of thanks, Anenih insisted on the need for forgiveness, just as he enjoined former and current leaders to learn to forgive.
He said, “The leaders are gathered here today and this is why we have to ask ourselves, why can’t we forget the past and move forward? I must confess that I was thrilled that President Obasanjo came to the church. This is the kind of forgiveness leaders have to show for the country to move forward.”
Urging past and present leaders to jettison any grievances and support the current administration, Anenih said, “Abdulsalami Abubakar and IBB are here; they can give us peace. I believe that if all of us here put our hands behind him (President Jonathan) and genuinely advise him, even our worst enemy, Boko Haram, will be afraid.”
Former defence minister TY Danjuma described Anenih as a patriot who loves Nigeria with strong commitment to unity and progress of the country. He advised politicians to emulate his leadership qualities.
Top politicians, captains of industry as well as highly placed government functionaries graced both venues for the birthday celebration. They include Senate president David Mark, Gen. Dannjuma (rtd) who chaired the reception, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Bauchi State governor Mallam Isa Yuguda, and co-ordinating minister for the economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Others are Dr Alex Ekwueme, former chief justice of Nigeria Alfa Belgore, Governor Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto), Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola.
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