Professor Godwin Sogolo is one of the numerous associates of Chief Tony Anenih. A former don who retired from the University of Ibadan, he is currently a member of the governing board of the National Open University of Nigeria.
In this exclusive interview, the reknown Professor of Philosophy speaks on the sterling attributes that account for Chief Anenih’scontinuing relevance in Nigerian politics. He spoke with Sheddy Ozoene
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| Prof. Godwin Sogolo |
Chief Anenih’s staying power in politics is due to his numerous qualities. First, he is a master of the game and this is recognised across the country. Even at his old age, he has continued to take on the broad spectrum of political, social, economic and international engagements. He is seen by many as a repository of political ideas and strategies.
Chief Anenih is many things to many people. Some call him “Mr. Fix it”, others call him “The Leader.” Which of these aliases fits him most?
All the appellations fit him. Yes, like the tale of the elephant and the blind men, your relationship with Chief Anenih determines your perception of him, and what you cherish most in him. Among those who relate to him, a large number are politicians while the others have missions unconnected with politics. Naturally, their assessments of him depend on their mission.
From your viewpoint as a close associate, what are his strongest attributes both as a person and as a politician?
Being not a politician, I should say without any equivocation, that Chief Anenih’s strongest attribute is his humaneness. Hard-faced as he may appear on the political arena, Chief Anenih is soft and humane to the core. He is a sympathetic person, kind, generous and always willing to listen and give a helping hand to all those in need. Hardly anyone, who comes to his house for a favour, goes away empty-handed. His generously is not necessarily deployed for political purposed only.
Concerning his attributes as a politician, they are too many to enumerate – loyalty and commitment, resilience, trust, magnanimity, These are the attributes that have made him to become a constant star in the corridors of power and much sought-after confidant of successive Presidents.
Many people insist that his political relevance has waned of recent. Does he still make much impact in his party, the PDP and in the nation’s politics?
On the contrary, Chief Anenih’s political relevance is even at its peak. Not only is he more actively involved in politics, even in his 80s, he continues to feature prominently in political meetings, consultations as well as campaign rallies.
He is undoubtedly one of the nation’s longest-lasting political actors, so what legacies is he likely to leave behind?
One legacy that Chief Anenih will leave behind is the diversity, broadness and complexity of his political connections. Many consult him from all nooks and crannies of Nigeria, and they range from Presidents to Presidential aspirants, Governors, aspirants of all sorts.
It is hardly a good testament that he comes from a state controlled by the opposition All Progressives Congress. How much does this diminish him politically?
It doesn’t at all. Although the APC is in power in Edo State, Chief Anenih’s political stature and influence in the State remains intact. Note that the All progressive Congress came to power in Edo State through the decision of a tribunal. The party manipulated the gubernatorial election of 2012 and won. The PDP is confident of retrieving its mandate in 2016.
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| Chief Tony Anenih |
Chief Anenih is a complete family man, a homely and fatherly person who is committed to both his immediate and extended families. All his children are well educated, well-behaved, decent, disciplined and respectful. Most have taken to various vocations.
Anenih is reputed to be wealthy. How has this endowment rubbed off on members of his family and the larger community?
I do not know the extent of Chief Anenih’s wealth, but I know that his acts of philanthropy and the number of people to whom he gives financial and other material assistance are massive and almost without limit.
How much of a patriot and statesman is Chief Anenih and how much of national interest does he weigh into his politics?
Chief Anenih earned the name “Leader” as far back as the 1980s from the Late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who formed the Peoples Democratic Movement that metamorphosed into the PDP. Since then, Chief Anenih has remained a national player in the politics of Nigeria. His profile as a patriotic national Leader is evident from the diversity of his political allies.
Chief Anenih is reputed to have been part of all governments in Nigeria - military and civilian - since he became a strong national politician in the 80s. Is this a good or bad reputation?
It is very good for him. That Chief Anenih was courageous enough to be involved in public affairs even during the oppressive and coercive military eras, shows his degree of patriotism and commitment to the future of Nigeria. He survived the collapse of the Second Republic during which he was the Edo State Chairman of the NPN and subsequent detention by the Buhari regime; outlived the political complications of the Babangida era; he survived the minefield-laden years of the Abacha regime. All this is a testimony of a patriot and a man committed to the well-being of his fatherland.
Don’t you believe that in acquiescing with any government in power, he may have sacrificed principles?
It is not true that Chief Anenih acquiesces with any government in power. Under all circumstances, he has always upheld his personal principles. He is a man who tells the truth, no matter whose ass is gored.
Can you give us a close view of Chief Anenih’s daily routine and habits? What does he do to keep himself in such a great shape, physically and mentally?
I do not live with the Chief. So, I cannot possibly know his daily routine and habits. All I know is that he is famous, not only for being blunt, but for providing short and appropriate responses to all manner of requests. As for his physical and mental fitness, one can only imagine that it is due to his disciplined lifestyle, good food and, of course, regular exercise.
How has the interplay of materialism played out in his politics and his outlook on life?
Chief Anenih’s life-style does not, in any way, reflect what people speculate about his wealth.
How religious is Chief Anenih and where does he draw his inspiration as a man?
Religion is, wholly, a private affair between an individual and his God. He is a man who lays the foundation of his activities on his relationship with God. His popular refrain is “God is in control.” And, there is no doubt that God has blessed him on every side.
From your own knowledge of the man, does he look like he will retire from active politics in the near future?
That is a personal decision for Chief Anenih to make.
One flaw with many great men is that they usually don’t groom a successor either from among his offspring or followers. Does this apply to Anenih? If not, who is waiting in the wings?
Chief Anenih is not grooming just one successor but many successors. He does not need to proclaim anybody as his successor. Those who have the privilege of learning from this great political legend of our time will, when he finally retires, take over from him as his successors.
A man whose footprints can be found in our national life for over 30 years must have guiding principles. Into which political ideology does Anenih fit?
From my knowledge of Chief Anenih, whatever he does is driven by the singular principle of “Service to Humanity”.
The Chief has fought many political battles, won some and lost others. What will you say is the man’s most remarkable political victory?
Only Chief Anenih can answer that question.
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