President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deepest condolences to the Onu family over the passing of Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, who died on Thursday at 72.
This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja.
“The President mourns the first civilian governor of Abia State; former minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, a principal draughtsman in the founding of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a valiant partner in the victory of the party in the 2015 elections.
“Most importantly, 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.”
Ngelale said that Tinubu acknowledged that Onu epitomised the spirit of Nigeria, adding that the deceased believed in and defended the country’s unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship.
He said that the President also condoles with the friends and associates of Onu, Ebonyi and Abia State Governments, and all Nigerians grieving this gaping loss.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onu, who reportedly died at a hospital in Abuja, was a lecturer, politician and a presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress party in 2022.
PETER OBI
Mr Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has mourned the passing of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, former Minister of Science and Technology.
Obi stated this in a condolences message, signed by his media aide, Mr Victor Obienyem, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Onitsha.
He described Onu’s death as a “significant loss to the nation”.
Obi described late Onu as a “patriotic and inclusive Nigerian leader” who served the nation diligently in various capacities.
He highlighted the deceased’s notable contributions to Nigeria’s educational advancement, both as a lecturer and an author.
“The late Dr Onu epitomised leadership characterised by a commitment to peace, progress, and justice.
“He courageously championed equity and good governance, leaving a lasting impact on our nation.
“The passing of Dr Onu is an immense loss to our nation, may God comfort his family and all of us as we mourn his departure, granting us the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. May he rest in eternal peace,” Obi said.
He further emphasised late Onu’s efforts to promote local production for national development during his tenure as Minister.
Obi extended his prayers to the grieving family and the entire nation mourning his loss.
LAGOS SPEAKER
The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has expressed shock over the sudden demise of the first Governor of old Abia, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, who passed away on Thursday morning.
Obasa, in his condolence message, in Lagos on Thursday, described his death as a huge loss to the nation.
Obasa expressed condolences to the government and people of the state of Ebonyi over the loss, and prayed for the repose of his soul.
“He was a highly respected politician, author, and engineer. He left behind a lasting legacy.
“The nation owes him a great debt of gratitude for his contributions in both the public and private sectors throughout his life,” he said.
The speaker offered prayers to God to comfort his family, the people of Ebonyi and the country and give them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
