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Anyim Pius Anyim: From Senate Presidency to National Leadership

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Tracing the political journey of Anyim Pius Anyim — from his historic tenure as Senate President to his role as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Anyim Pius Anyim was born on February 19, 1961, in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He hails from the Igbo ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria. Growing up in a modest family, Anyim’s early education reflected a combination of diligence and intellectual curiosity that later defined his political career.

He attended Ishiagu High School and later proceeded to the Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba, before enrolling at the University of Jos, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law. He subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to the Bar in 1988.

Before entering politics, Anyim worked with the Headquarters of the National Commission for Refugees, under the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, where he served as an immigration officer. His early civil service experience exposed him to the administrative workings of government — knowledge that would later shape his leadership style.

Political Rise and Senate Presidency

Anyim Pius Anyim’s political career began in earnest with Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. That year, he contested and won a seat in the Nigerian Senate, representing the Ebonyi South Senatorial District under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In August 2000, at just 39 years old, Anyim made history by becoming the President of the Nigerian Senate, succeeding Senator Chuba Okadigbo. His emergence as Senate President marked a generational shift in Nigerian politics — a new era of young and assertive leadership within the legislature.

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During his tenure (2000–2003), Anyim presided over a turbulent Senate that faced several internal crises and executive-legislative tensions with the presidency of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Despite these challenges, his leadership was characterised by firmness, constitutional adherence, and efforts to assert the independence of the legislature.

He introduced reforms to strengthen legislative processes, including improved committee systems and enhanced oversight functions of the Senate. His calm disposition and understanding of the law earned him respect among his colleagues and political observers.

At the end of his tenure in 2003, Anyim chose not to seek re-election, instead focusing on consolidating his political influence at the national level.

Role as Secretary to the Government of the Federation

In May 2011, under the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Anyim Pius Anyim was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) — one of the most powerful offices in Nigeria’s federal structure.

As SGF, he was responsible for coordinating policy implementation across ministries, departments, and agencies, while also serving as a key liaison between the presidency and the federal bureaucracy. His tenure from 2011 to 2015 was marked by administrative discipline, institutional coordination, and a commitment to policy continuity.

He also played an instrumental role in preparing Nigeria’s Centenary Celebration in 2014, which commemorated 100 years since the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates.

Anyim’s service as SGF solidified his reputation as a capable technocrat and seasoned administrator, with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s political and institutional dynamics.

Recent Political Involvement

After his tenure as SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim remained an influential figure within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In 2022, he declared his intention to run for the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, seeking the PDP ticket.

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In his campaign messages, he emphasised the need for unity, youth empowerment, institutional reform, and national development. Though he did not clinch the party’s nomination, his aspiration reinforced his status as one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen.

Personal Life and Legacy

Anyim Pius Anyim is married to Chioma Anyim, and they have children together. He is a devout Christian and a member of the Anglican Communion, known for his humility, calm temperament, and quiet but strategic approach to politics.

Over the years, Anyim has received numerous honours for his service to Nigeria, including national and professional awards recognising his contributions to governance and public administration.

His legacy lies in his commitment to democratic stability, institutional independence, and the principle of national unity — values he continues to uphold in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

References

National Assembly of Nigeria Archives – Senate Presidents (1999–2023)

The Guardian Nigeria (2011) – “Jonathan Appoints Anyim Pius Anyim as SGF”

BBC News Africa (2000) – “Nigeria’s Senate in Leadership Crisis”

Punch Newspapers (2022) – “Anyim Declares for 2023 Presidency”

Premium Times Nigeria – “Profile: Anyim Pius Anyim, Former Senate President and SGF”

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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