By Inalegwu Shaibu
Even though death is taken as the final end for all mankind, last week’s passage to the great beyond of Pa Anthony Eramosale Enahoro, a record making journalist, democracy activist and political titan is being sourly felt across the length and breath of Nigeria.

For Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the demise of Pa Enahoro brings to an end, the final chapter on the illustrious lives of great Nigerians who through sweat and pains fought for the sovereignty of Nigeria.

The Senators through a motion sponsored by Senators Odion Ugbesia (PDP, Edo Central)and Yisa Braimoh (PDP, Edo North) poured encomiums on the late Pa Enahoro.

They described him as a political colossus whose sacrifices for a sovereign Nigeria gave birth to the current democratic government in the country.

The Senators observed that if not for the singular landmark motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1953 moved by a political active and exuberant Enahoro in the then Federal House of Representatives, Nigeria’s attainment of self rule and break way from the tutelage of the British Empire would have been delayed beyond 1960.

Again the Senators singled out his many contributions to end military dictatorship in Nigeria and noted that it is a sacrifice worthy of national honour.

They observed that his consistency in the struggles for a better Nigeria, through his leadership of National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, a pro democracy group that fought against the then maximum ruler_late General Sani Abacha, was a key factor that set Nigeria on the part of democratic government.

While moving the motion, Senator Ugbesia noted that Pa Enahoro an advocate of true federalism and a united Nigeria served the nation for over six decades with commitment and selflessness.

He noted further that despite incarcerations, exile and an accusation of treason, he remained a committed leader who held tenaciously to his beliefs and principles.

He said, “I recall with delight that Pa Enahoro came into limelight on the 31st March, 1953 when he moved the historic motion for self government for Nigeria.

“Pa Enahoro, then, 30 years, fired with youthful zeal, patriotism, idealism and as a member of the Federal House of Representatives, took the nation and the International Community by storm with the motion which eventually led to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.”

The Senators in turn eulogised the late Pa Enahoro. Speaking on the life of Pa Enahoro, the Senators stressed that his love for Nigeria portrayed through his fight for democracy and good governance is worthy of emulation.

Senator Bode Olajumoke, PDP, Ondo poured encomium on Pa Enahoro saying his zeal for democracy took him through great pains, yet he remained committed to the very last end.

He said “We saw in him a role model, he was a socialist and a great democrat. Indeed I believe he is the last of the titan that shrouded the political climate and we shall miss him.”

Senator Effiong Bob, PDP, Akwa Ibom who described him as a nationalist and detribalized Nigerian said he laid down his life for democracy in Nigeria.

“Chief Anthony Enahoro to us students of political history was an icon, a great Nigerian. In the course of suffering for this country; he was incarcerated, the last was during the NADECO period, he fought for democracy and stability of this country. He (Enahoro) moved the motion for the independence of this country from the colonial rule. At the tender age, he has a focus and vision for this country.”

On his part, Senator Anthony Manzo, PDP, Taraba in commending the life of Pa Enahoro said his labour gifted Nigerians a true and people oriented government.

He said “Pa Enahoro is one of those that live long to see the fruits of their labour. We are beneficiaries of this struggle; he stood up and talked at the great risk of his life.

“He should have gone with the military to partake from the largesse. But his commitment to uplifting humanity through better governance made him stock to his gun and he continued in the opposition of dictatorship.”

Senator Nimi Barigha_Amange, PDP, Delta while lauding the life of late Pa Enahoro bemoaned the culture of post humus appreciations that usually accorded great Nigerians.

He said great leaders should be celebrated while alive instead of the usual tradition of a post humus praise singing at the time of their death.

“When he was alive, what did this nation do for him? This is what we have to address. We must honour our great men when they are alive. It is not just saying he was a good man, he fought for independence, and we must do something for our leaders when they are alive.” He noted.

Senator Ayogu Eze said he was saddened by his death and urged the Federal Government to immortalise him for posterity sake.

“I am really sad because we lost one of the giants of our independence. We mourn him today and condole with the people and government of Edo State. He deserves that a national monument of significance be named after him.

“This is the man that shaped Nigeria. Up till his last breath, he never even took a leave of absence from his duty post which we all know is fighting for the enthronement of better governance for Nigerians, he kept on talking on critical issues so that a better and prosperous Nigeria will emerge.”

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu at the end of the motion stressed that late Pa Enahoro lived a life worthy of emulation by all politicians.

He noted, “He has done well for this country and the best we can do is to emulate him. As Christians, we emulate Christ so as politicians we should emulate late Pa Enahoro.

As mark of respect to the late Pa Enahoro, the Senate at the end of deliberation on the motion observed a one minute silence and then resolved that a national monument be named in his honour.