By Eubaldus Enahoro
BENIN CITY- The Castle Of Legends Initiative (COLI), a non governmental organisation has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to immortalize a fore most Nationalist who moved the motion for Nigeria’s Independence, Chief Anthony Enahoro by bestowing on him a national honour and accolade befitting of his status.
The chairman, Castle of Legends Initiative, Chief D.U Edebiri, OON, Esogban of Benin Kingdom who made the appeal during a press conference in Benin City yesterday noted that Chief Enahoro’s heroism is of a National Character which qualified him to be recognized as such.
“We believe that Chief Anthony Enahoro is eminently qualified for a post humous honour commensurate with his selfless and patriotic services to the country.
“We of the Castle of Legends Initiative have been encouraged by the recognition bestowed by his Excellency on Bashorun MKO Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and the declaration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
“We cherish those landmark developments as they are capable of galvanizing our people towards increased patriotism and strengthening commitment to national service.
“We are glad to join other Nigerians in congratulating Mr. President for these historic strides,” he noted.
According to Chief Edebiri, it is furtherance of this laudable initiative that the Castle of Legends Initiative (COLI) calls on Mr. President to give kind consideration to the immortalization of late Chief Anthony Eronsele Enahoro (CFR) which is overdue.
“It remains our candid Opinion that Chief Enahoro is a hero whose place in Nigerian history has not been accorded national prominence. It is on record that Chief Enahoro has been classified among the founding fathers of the Nigerian nation along the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Herbert Macaulay, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“However, in this Category, only Chief Enahoro has not been immortalized by naming after him a prominent broad street, a Federal University or a Federal Monument of significance,” he added.
He further noted that Chief Enahoro was a journalist, politician and ebullient nationalist fighter and in all of these endeavours, he was in the forefront of the struggle for Nigeria’s Independence and defence of the rights of our people in the face of the high handed and draconian policies of the colonial administration.
“Enahoro was an outstanding, forthright and fearless member of parliament, committed to the legitimate desires and aspirations of our people.
“It is also on record that Chief Enahoro moved the historic motion in 1953 calling on the British government to grant self-government to Nigeria in 1956.
“Subsequently, he played prominent role in sustaining the unity of the country. During the Nigerian Civil War, he served as Commissioner for Information and Spokesman on International Affairs under the Military administration of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and played a Pivotal role in the restoration of democracy in our dear country, he being the leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). “We use this Press Conference to entreat Mr. President to immortalize Chief Enahoro by bestowing on him a national honour and accolade befitting of his status and we believe that the time to do so is now,” Chief Edebiri added.
