Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has described the death of Pa Anthony Enahoro as a shock and a loss to Nigeria.

In his reaction to the death of Pa Enahoro, Oshiomhole said:

“The people and Government of Edo State received with great shock and grief news of the passing to glory of Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro, CFR, at the ripe age of 87. The death of Chief Enahoro is a loss not only to the Enahoro Family, but also to the people of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“Even while we mourn the loss of this outstanding icon, we are also inspired to celebrate his remarkable life and accomplishments. He was a leader of proven commitment, tenacity and courage in the struggle for a better Nigeria. His passion about a just, democratic and united Nigeria was a common thread that ran through his sterling career in journalism, public service, politics and pro-democracy activism. Nigeria was the centrepiece of Chief Enahoro’s thoughts and actions throughout his eventful life as a foremost nationalist, pro-democracy fighter and elderstatesman.

“It is fitting to recall his outstanding contributions towards the attainment of the country’s independence. Although relatively much younger, he stood shoulder to shoulder with nationalist icons like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Mr. Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Comrade Michael Imoudu, who provided leadership for the struggle against a vicious colonial order.

“Chief Enahoro became a newspaper editor in his 20s and established a fierce reputation for militant commentaries, which regularly led to his harassment by the colonial authorities. With solid anchoring in agitational journalism, he launched a foray into the mainstream nationalist movement, ending up as a radical parliamentarian on the Action Group ticket.

“Today, the story of the struggle for Nigeria’s independence is incomplete without his bold motion for independence in 1953. His motion for independence, entitled “Let my People Go”, was laced with a resounding denunciation of oppression and injustice, which reminds of the weighty thoughts of such revolutionary icons as Fidel Castro, Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela.

“He sustained his involvement in popular struggles throughout civilian and military dictatorships, earning himself a widely criticised deportation by the British Government during the First Republic. During the brutal military dictatorship of the 1990s, Chief Enahoro inspired younger generations of activists with the courage and doggedness he demonstrated. His leadership role in the opposition was instrumental to the formation of the National Democratic Coalition [NADECO], which helped to firm up the capacity of the Nigerian people to effectively resist military dictatorship.

“Even at old age, Chief Enahoro continued to apply himself to the challenges of our nation, as an agent of change and progress. In Edo State under our stewardship, he has remained a source of inspiration, encouragement, fatherly goodwill and wise counsel.

“On July 22nd 2010, when we attended his 87th birthday, Chief Enahoro shared with much passion his lofty vision of Nigeria and agonised over the fears he nursed about its future. The greatest service we can do to his illustrious memory is to live up to his dreams of re-creating a Nigeria that is caring, just and truly democratic.

“In commiserating with the family that Chief Enahoro has left behind, we pray that God should grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of a loving father, grandfather and husband.”