The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Sunday commiserated with the Anenih family, the Government and People of Edo State over the death of the former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described Anenih as a consummate politician, master strategist and committed statesman, who contributed greatly to the development of Nigeria’s democracy.

Saraki declared: “Chief Tony Anenih was a patriot, bridge builder and astute politician who played several defining roles in building Nigeria’s democracy. He will be remembered for his wisdom and his insight into national issues.

 “Throughout our democratic struggles, as the Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the military years; the Minister of Works and Housing in the Obasanjo years; then, later as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Anenih was known as a master strategist who believed in the unity of Nigeria and in the need for strong and visionary leadership across the nation.

 “My deepest condolences and prayers are with his immediate and extended family; the PDP — where he was a founding father; and the government and people of Edo State.

 “I would be remiss if I did not state that at this time, when our nation is going into one of the most significant elections of our time, Chief Anenih’s guidance, counsel and cerebral understanding of our nation will be dearly missed. I pray that the Almighty grants him a place in paradise.”