By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Chimaobi Nwaiwu & Steve Oko
President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Senator Orji Kalu and Dr Uche Ogah have all expressed sadness over the passing of Chief Ogbonnaya Onu.
Onu is the first civilian governor of Abia State (1992 – 1993), was minister (2015 – 2022), and a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
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President Tinubu, in his condolence message, extended his deepest condolences to the Onu family.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, 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.”
Also, President Tinubu affirmed that Chief Onu epitomised Nigeria in concord, wholeness, as the late statesman believed in and defended Nigeria’s unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship across the Niger.
The President also condoled with the friends and associates of Chief Onu, Ebonyi and Abia governments, and all Nigerians grieving.
Peter Obi
Also, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the last general election, Mr. Peter Obi, expressed deep sadness at the news of Onu’s passing.
Describing Onu’s death as a significant loss to the nation, Mr Obi said it is also a big loss to Ndigbo.
In a condolence message, Obi hailed late Onu as a patriotic and inclusive Nigerian leader who served the nation diligently in various capacities.
Furthermore, Obi highlighted Onu’s notable contributions to Nigeria’s educational advancement, both as a lecturer and an author.
“Dr. Onu epitomized leadership characterised by a commitment to peace, progress, and justice.
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“He courageously championed equity and good governance, leaving a lasting impact on our nation,” Obi said.
Mr. Obi further emphasized Onu’s efforts to promote local production for national development during his tenure as Minister.
He extended his prayers to Onu’s grieving family and the entire nation mourning his loss.
Onu a consumate politician, philanthropy, says Kalu
Also mourning, former Abia governor, Kalu, through his media office in Abakaliki, described Onu as a nationalist with passion for unity and progress of Nigeria.
“I urge the deceased’s children and loved ones to sustain his worthy legacies, as 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.”
… calamitous loss to Ndigbo – Uche Ogah
On his part, former Minister of State for Solid Mineral and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah, described the death of Dr Onu as a calamitous loss for Ndigbo.
Similarly, the immediate-past Minister of State for Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, said the demise of Onu had created a very big vacuum in Igbo land that might be difficult to fill any time soon.
Reacting also, presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 primaries and former National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, said he was yet to recover from the shock of the news about Onu’s demise.
Ogah who spoke with Vanguard in Umuahia, said he was personally devasted by the news of Onu’s death, and wished it were not true.
Describing the former governor as a close confidant, the APC chieftain said the Igbo nation and Nigeria had lost a rare gem.
“Onu was a rare gentleman. A man that has capacity in every area – politically, academically and other spheres. He had distinguished himself.
“He was a humble man to the core. We have lost somebody so dear to us. It’s not just to us, he was a father to me. He has always given a useful advice on issues when they came up.”
Ogah conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the members of Onu’s immediate family and the people and Government of Ebonyi State.
Ikoh
Speaking also with Vanguard, Chief Ikoh who succeeded Onu as Minister of Science, said he was yet to recover from the shock of the news of about the death of the former Governor.
He said that Onu would be remembered for his legendary services, commitment to duty, integrity and numerous other positive qualities.
The former Minister who said Onu’s exit was a big blow to South East and APC, prayed God to grant his soul eternal repose in heaven.
