By Tom Okpe
President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, on Thursday, mourned the first civilian governor of Abia State and former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu.
Onu died at the age of 72 after a brief illness in an undisclosed hospital in Nigeria on Thursday.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu described Onu as a luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the family of Onu, whom he praised for being a principal draughtsman in the founding of the All Progressives Congress and a valiant partner in the victory of the party in the 2015 elections.
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The statement was titled ‘President Tinubu mourns Chief Ogbonnaya Onu.’
“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,” said Ngelale.
Tinubu affirmed that Onu epitomises Nigeria in concord and 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 Onu’s friends and associates, Ebonyi and Abia State Governments, and all Nigerians grieving this gaping loss.
He, therefore, prayed to God Almighty to grant repose to the gentle soul of this great leader.
Reacting in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, former President Buhari described Onu as “one of Nigeria’s most outstanding scientific minds and intellectuals.”
Buhari extended his condolences to the family of the former chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, whom he described as a notable politician.
The statement was titled ‘Buhari mourns intellectual giant Ogbonnaya Onu.’
“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,” Buhari, said.
Also, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has expressed deep sadness at the news of the passing of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, former Minister of Science and Technology.
He described Onu’s death as a significant loss to the nation.
In a condolence message issued and signed by the former Governor of Anambra State, made available to the Daily Times on Thursday, 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.
He said: “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.”
Obi further emphasised Onu’s efforts to promote local production for national development during his tenure as Minister, extending his prayers to Onu’s grieving family and the entire nation, mourning his loss.
“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,” he added.
