President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Senator Orji Kalu and Dr. Uche Ogah have all expressed sadness over the passing of Chief Ogbonnaya Onu.
Chief Onu passed away on Thursday at the age of 72.
Onu is the first civilian governor of Abia State (1992 – 1993), minister (2015 – 2022), and a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
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, a 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.
Also, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the last general election, Peter Obi, expressed deep sadness at the news of Onu’s passing.
Describing Onu’s death as a significant loss to the nation, 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. He courageously championed equity and good governance, leaving a lasting impact on our nation,” Obi said.
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.
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.”
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 journalists in Umuahia, said he was personally devastated 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 who 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 someone so dear to us. It’s not just for us; he was a father to me. He has always given 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.
Speaking also with our correspondent, 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 to God to grant his soul eternal repose in heaven.
Ohuabunwa said he saw him last hale and hearty. He wondered what must have been responsible for his sudden death.
“I’m still in shock! I haven’t seen him since after the APC primaries. I was just asking questions about what must have killed him because when I saw him last, he looked very healthy.”
‘He brought me into politics’
Mazi Ohuabunwa said Onu persuaded him to join politics, and wanted to make him Commissioner in Abia. He described the former governor as “an embodiment of politics without rancour.”
“Ogbonnaya Onu represented one of the best human beings I have ever seen in politics. He represented the ideal political personnel right from when he was Governor in Abia to all his works as Chairman of political parties.
“He has been a man who exhibited the concept of politics without bitterness. Onu was an intellectual. Onu was never dubious nor adopted this character of ‘it’s either I have it or I scatter it all’. I didn’t see him in that mood. He was a gentleman par excellence.
“It was a big shock to hear that he had gone to be with the Lord. I’m yet to fully recover from the shock. I had a very personal relationship with him right from when he wanted to make me Commissioner in those days.
“Thereafter, we remained very close. He persuaded me to join politics and even to come to his party, but then I was not interested in partisan politics. My condolences go to the family, Ebonyi State, and Ndigbo in general.
“His exit is very painful, moreso as it came at a time we are about to bury the late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (Okwadike Igboukwu). It has added to our plains,” Ohuabunwa agonised.”
Additional reports by Felix Jacob, Friday Ajagunna
