Victor EzejaNigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and Senator Orji Kalu have expressed sadness over the death of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu.
Aged 72, Dr Onu, who served as a Minister of Science and Technology during Muhammadu Buhari administration, died on Thursday, 11 April in Abuja.
He is the first civilian governor of old Abia State from 1992 to 1993 and also a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his condolence message contained in a statement released by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu commiserated with family, friends, and associates of Chief Onu, Ebonyi, and Abia governments who are grieving the loss.
The statement said the President “celebrates the life of an accomplished scholar, first-class engineer; a man of proven integrity; defiant to indiscipline, but ever yielding to the highest standards of rectitude.”
The president described Onu as a luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament, who not only was a principal founding member of the APC but also played a significant role in the party’s victory during the 2015 general election.
President Tinubu also affirmed that Chief Onu epitomised Nigeria in concord, and wholeness, as the late statesman believed in and defended Nigeria’s unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship across the Niger.
Onu Is A Patriotic, Detribalised Nigerian – Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, said he received the news of Chief Onu’s death with deep sadness
Obi in a statement via his official X handle said Onu was a gentleman, a patriotic and detribalised Nigerian who served the nation in different capacities.
He noted that Onu’s contributions to the country’s educational growth as a lecturer and author remain commendable.
“Dr Onu was a leader who stood for peace and progress of the nation. He pursued justice and courageously stood up for equity and good governance. He was committed to the development of the nation,” the former Anambra State governor stated.
Obi further noted that Onu was one of those who understood the critical need to move the country “from consumption to production”, and therefore “pursued many initiatives to boost local production for the development of the nation.
“His death is, undoubtedly, a huge loss to the nation,” Obi added, praying that God consoles his family, and all who mourn him, and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
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We Mourn and Celebrate Onu’s Legacy – Alex Otti
On his part, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti condoled with the family of Onu and the people of Ebonyi State over the loss.
Otti said that as they mourn the loss of Onu, they also celebrate his remarkable legacy and described the late former Minister as “a man of exceptional character and wisdom, whose contributions to our state and nation will never be forgotten.”
He further noted that Chief Onu’s commitment to public service was unparalleled, and his leadership qualities are exemplary and guidance for all.
“His statesmanship and dedication to the welfare of our people have set a standard for all of us in public service. His life was a testament to the power of decency, decorum, and contentment,” Otti affirmed.
He pledged that his administration would continue the democratic journey that Onu charted, ensuring that the well-being of every citizen of Abia remains their utmost priority. “His legacy will live on as we strive to emulate his virtues and uphold the values he cherished,” Otti added.
Onu Is a Selfless Philanthropist – Orji Uzor Kalu
Also, a former governor of Abia State and senator currently representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, described Onu as a nationalist with passion for unity and the progress of Nigeria.
In a statement through his media office in Abakaliki the capital of Ebonyi, Kalu urged the Onu’s children and loved ones to sustain his worthy legacies, adding that his death is a huge loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.
“The late statesman was a consummate politician and selfless philanthropist who served meritoriously in various capacities in the public sector.
“His wise counsel on national issues will be greatly missed, as he will be remembered for his outstanding leadership qualities,” the statement added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
