President Bola Tinubu has extended his deepest condolences to the Onu family over the passing of the first civilian governor of Abia State, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, at the age of 72.
The President, in a release issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, mourned a luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament who was 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, President Tinubu celebrated 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.
He affirmed that Chief Onu epitomized Nigeria in concord; in 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 State Governments, and all Nigerians grieving this gaping loss.
President Tinubu prayed to God Almighty to grant repose to the gentle soul of the great leader.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also joined family members and the entire nation in mourning the demise of a notable politician, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the first civilian governor of Abia state and former minister of Science, Technology and Innovation under his administration.
Reacting to the news of the death of the former chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) a party that once fielded him as a presidential candidate, Buhari in a statement issued on Thursday said the nation has lost “one of its most outstanding scientific minds and intellectuals.
“He was an intellectual giant. My heart goes out to his family, the government and people of Abia State and the country at large. May his soul rest in peace.”
Also presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in last years election, Mr Peter Obi expressed sadness at the news of the passing of former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
Obi, a former governor in Anambra State described Onu’s death as a significant loss to the nation.
Dr. Onu, who also served as the first civilian governor of Abia State, was reported to have passed on, on Thursday morning after battling an undisclosed illness.
In a condolence message issued to the press, Obi hailed Late Onu as a patriotic and inclusive Nigerian leader who served the nation diligently in various capacities. He highlighted Onu’s notable contributions to Nigeria’s educational advancement, both as a lecturer and an author.
“Dr. Onu epitomized leadership characterized 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 concluded.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
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