Toast to Senator Pius Anyim at 61

It was a conclave of political elites recently, as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, hosted his 61st birthday celebration to the delight of many.

Among key dignitaries present at the celebration was President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, among others. The event was hosted at the International Conference Centre, in Abuja. 

President Muhammadu Buhari lauded Anyim’s leadership qualities, saying he is a leader worthy of emulation by Nigeria’s political class. Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, described Anyim as selfless in the discharge of his duties, and always shunned nepotism and tribalism.

“Senator Pius Anyim is a patriotic Nigerian who always puts his nation first and he is one of stabilising voices we have today in the politics of our country. This, he has demonstrated in a number of times, but the one that stands out and still echoes with me was his insistence that elected officers should always stay a single term and he kept to his word by not seeking for re-election to the Senate, after the expiration of his first term as Senator and Senate President in 2003.

“That many Nigerians cutting across various political divides are gathered here today to celebrate you is a glowing testimony of your contributions to the growth of our nation and its political development,” Buhari stated.

Similarly, former President Jonathan described Anyim as a unique leader, saying he always resisted the temptations of greed and power tussle. 

He said, “the sheer number of people gathered at the International Conference Centre to honour Anyim was an indication of the trust Nigerians reposed in him years after leaving the office as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“You were the Senate President when I was the governor of Bayelsa State and I remember you visited me in the house one day and of course, by divine providence, you became the engine room of my government as my Secretary to government of the Federation”, former President Jonathan said. 

Also speaking, former governor of Abia State, Sen. Theodore Orji said at 61, Anyim has a lot still to give to his fatherland. “If you look at the age he started, you will know that God has not finished with him,” he stated.