Anthony Enahoro

thumb|Anthony Enahoro Anthony Enahoro (22 July 1923 – 15 December 2010) was a Nigerian nationalist, journalist, politician and pro-democracy activist who first moved the motion for Nigeria's self-government in 1953. Quotes Yesterday belongs to the dead and to chroniclers; today belongs to current functionaries and operatives; tomorrow belongs to visionaries and idealists, without whom you cannot build a new society. Speaking on leadership and national vision We must not be shy to say, "We too have a dream"—a dream and a vision of what Nigeria can be and what our peoples should be in the long term. Speaking on Nigeria's future and national aspiration One of the tasks of the current generation of Nigerians is the reconciliation of idealism and realism. Discussing nation-building It seeks to provide representatives from all parts of the country with an opportunity to exchange views on the most burning question of our time. Introducing the Motion for Self-Government It is an invitation to this House to make a declaration of objective with regard to Nigerian freedom. Concluding his Motion for Self-Government We welcome every sincere effort that contributes to national solidarity and constitutional renewal. Speaking on the National Question and constitutional reform "There are three periods in the life of a people or in the life of a country. The three periods are yesterday, today and tomorrow. Yesterday belongs to the dead and to chroniclers; today belongs to current functionaries and operatives; tomorrow belongs to visionaries and idealists." speaking on the role of visionaries in nation-building. "This motion is an invitation to the Honourable Members of this House to associate the highest legislature of our land with the expressed desire of the peoples of this country for political autonomy." Moving the historic self-government motion in Parliament., "We too have a dream—a dream and a vision of what Nigeria can be and what our peoples should be in the long-term. That is what idealism is about." Discussing idealism and Nigeria's future. , "This motion is an invitation to the Honourable Members of this House to associate the highest legislature of our land with the expressed desire of the peoples of this country for political autonomy." Moving the historic self-government motion in Parliament "Democracy is the heritage of all of us. Democracy is not a commodity... it is not open to the Prime Minister to define how far democracy shall go." Defending democratic accountability in Parliament "We succeeded with freedom. We also succeeded, to a great extent, with modernization, but it is sad that Nigeria has had a deplorable record with democratization." Reflecting on Nigeria's democratic journey "The question of independence for Nigeria is not controversial." ["The question of independence for Nigeria is not controversial." CHIEF ANTHONY ENAHORO: NIGERIAN independent PIONEER] 1953 Quotes about Anthony Enahoro Chief Enahoro as one of the leading actors played many parts- he had a long and distinguished career in the press, politics, the civil service, Union and the pro-democracy movement. The theme of his vision and engagement seems to be ‘freedom for all’, freedom for students, freedom for workers, freedom for Nigeria, freedom for Nigerians, freedom for Africa and the black race. Centenary anniversary: Life, times and memory of Chief Anthony Enahoro Eubaldus Enahoro, July 22, 2023 It is a great loss to the nation. If you remember, Chief Enahoro moved the motion for the independence of Nigeria in the 50s and the likes of Enahoro would be very difficult to find in Nigeria. He was a committed, dedicated and patriotic leader for the kind of politics played in his time. It may be difficult to still find the likes of Enahoro in this generation. Well, in any generation, you could still find people who are selfless and dedicated to the cause. Such people need to be given the opportunity; they need the space to show what they can do, but when the space is closed for them, then they can do nothing. I believe that the best way to immortalise a patriot and a nationalist is to make sure that what he has done is not in vain. I am very saddened by the news of his death The Unforgettable Hero, Pa Anthony Enahoro Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (published August 8, 2025) There were two things that annoyed my father or that he regretted. One was that we got independence too early. He thought, when they were young, that the country wasn’t moving fast enough and that once we got rid of the whites, we would move faster. But it was a big mistake. The countries that are doing well in Africa are the ones the colonialists stayed long enough. Where is the most exclusive part of Benin? Is it not the GRA where the white man lived? If we were in a good country, the GRA is supposed to be a slum by now. Why Anthony Enahoro felt Nigeria’s Independence was a big mistake – Son October 11, 2017 External links Category:1923 births Category:2010 deaths Category:Politicians from Nigeria Category:Educators from Nigeria Category: Dead people