BY  Odion Ugbesia

FROM whichever perspective it is viewed, the attainment of the  80th  milestone in a man’s life-span is an event of utmost significance.

This is particularly so, when, experimentally, a man ceases to be moved by anything that would ordinarily rattle or baffle those with lesser or limited encounter with the vagaries or challenging circumstances of life.

This, aptly captures the life of Chief Tony Anenih, having witnessed and withstood most of the vicissitudes of life- its successes and adversity, it trials and tribulations; its ups and downs; its intense unpleasantness and exulting comedies.

I speak of this godfather from a vantage position, having enjoyed an unbroken and uncommon relationship with him that have spanned over thirty years. Even at that, I still have difficulty and constraints in defining this enigma called Chief Tony Akhakon Anenih.

To many, he is simply the leader, to some, he is Mr Fix it, a master strategist and a chartered political engineer, whose political judgment in most cases, help in no small measure in untangling seeming intractable political problems.

However, it must be noted that his adversaries who cannot comprehend him, see him from a negative angle – a villain and a master rigger.

The totality of these different perspectives or descriptions of him points to one undeniable  fact that Chief Tony Anenih is a master of the game who cannot be an easy task for anybody to fathom.

No wonder a writer once described him as an enigma wrapped in a puzzle, tucked inside a mystery.h

This accounts for the reason why as a politician, he has remained the main issue around whom solid political permutations revolve in Nigerian politics.

Accept it or not he is the leader against whom all his contemporaries are measured.

To explain the foundation of his beliefs, his political sagacity, his inexplicable skills at surviving all political battles would require many years of unbroken research.

Nevertheless, my knowledge of him, attests to one fact, that his continuous relevance in Nigerian politics, has been informed more by his adherence to certain religious principles of loyalty and justice.

No wonder the book of Proverbs 3:3,4 says: “Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you. Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart, then you will find favour with both God and men and you will gain good reputation”.

Similarly, his love for justice derives from the scriptural injunction espoused in Isaiah 56:1 which says “Be just and fair to all says the Lord, do what is right and do good’”.

is more, Chief Tony Anenih is an embodiment of loyalty. He is loyal to his friends, associates and followers, ft is the infectious nature of this disposition that elicits equal and corresponding loyalty from the people around him.

As a leader, he has touched many lives across the length and breadth of this country. That is why his political network has remained active, effective and enduring over years.

As a father, he carries his children on his shoulders so that they can see beyond him. This is one of the reasons amongst others, why the Ugbesia family is unrepentant, unapologetic and passionate in referring to Chief Tony Anenih as “Our God father”

Consequently, as he turns 80; we rejoice with him and join millions of Nigerians in wishing him God’s continuous protection, good health and more fruitful years in the service of this great country.

Happy Birthday – the Godfather

*Senator (Elder) Odion Ugbesia represents Edo Central Senatorial District