BEVERLY HILLS, July 30, (THEWILL) – Former minister of works and one-time Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples democratic party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, has stated that he would not celebrate his 85 birthday with pomp, citing the sad state of the nation as one of the reasons.
Anenih who will be 85 years old on Saturday, August 4, 2018, made this known in a statement he personally issued and released in Abuja ahead of the occasion saying that that much as he desired to celebrate the milestone, he was unable, for some well-considered reasons, to fulfill the earnest desire.
“There is no doubt that attaining a milestone of 85 years on earth is a privilege enjoyed by a few; and, it is, therefore, an occasion worth celebrating with loved ones and friends,” the statement read.
“On reflections, however, 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 fulfill 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 neighborliness in Nigeria soon and in the years ahead.”
“Indeed, members of my immediate family have decided to respect my decision and they have already canceled initial arrangements to celebrate my 85th birthday with pomp,” he said.
“While I pray to the Almighty God to perfect my health and give me the grace to witness many more years on earth, I believe that the future holds a great promise of wonderful times to get together for birthday celebrations and other festivities.”
