Former President Jonathan, others extol Anyim’s leadership qualities at 60

Encomiums were pouring in for former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim as eminent personalities in Nigeria including former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan joined him, his family and loved ones to mark his 60th birthday.

At this event, his virtues were extolled, especially his role in the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria.

The low-key 60th birthday party which was held at his residence in Abuja on Friday, February 19, 2021 got additional spice, becoming a double celebration of Anyim birthday and that of his wife, Chioma, who also added another year a day earlier (February 18, 2021).

The brief event was held in strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

While thanking God, his family and associates for the show of love, Anyim said he considered it appropriate to mark his 60th in appreciation of God for how far he has taken him.

“We decided not to make the birthday a big event, in line with Federal Government’s directive on observance COVID-19 protocol,”he said.

He said his commitment was to use the rest of his life to serve humanity in whatever capacity God has destined for him within the socioeconomic and political space.

As a lawyer, Anyim made his mark in his law practice, served at the highest level of governance in the country’s legislative arm as Senate President and later served in the executive arm, as the Secretary to Government of Federation (SGF) under former President Jonathan.

Speaking at the event, Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who congratulated Anyim for the gift of life and the opportunity he has to join the league of sexagenarians as he described Anyim as “an outstanding statesman and consummate politician.”

Dr. Jonathan said he enjoyed a very cordial relationship with Anyim as SGF under his Presidency and “I have so much confidence in him and I am convinced that he is loyal and committed to the success we recorded during my Presidency.”

Former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion and his former counterpart from Sokoro,  Attahiru Bafarawa, said Anyim personified the attitude of a detribalised Nigerian, who did not allow his ethno-religious orientation and political leaning to affect his service to the nation when he held sway as Senator and SGF.
“Despite our different ethnic background, Senator Anyim and I have remained family friends till date, not because of anything but because of his exceptional leadership qualities. I, therefore, wish you many years ahead,” Bafarawa said

Other eminent personalities, who graced the birthday celebration, include Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Vietnam, Mathias Okafor; Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Michael Nnachi; Former Chairman, Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke; Retired Rear Admiral Peter Ebhaleme, who described Anyim as “a man of integrity, honesty, details; an astute politician, administrator and leader of leaders.”

Also at the event were the Bishop David Abioye of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Gosehn, Abuja) and a businessman, Stanley Uzo-Chukwu, who described Anyim as a ‘Great motivator to the younger generation.”

The high point of the event was cutting of many cakes brought by Anyim’s loved ones, the biggest of which was cut by Jonathan, who was joined by other dignitaries and well-wishers in a toss, wishing the celebrants long life, sound health and greater accomplishments in contributing to the country’s socioeconomic and political development.

Lateefah Ibrahim