TINUBU, OBI, NWIFURU MOURN ONU @72, DESCRIBING HIM AS PATRIOT
REPORTERS: CHUKWUBUIKE MADU & AMECHI ODO
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has expressed shock over the death of a former Governor of Abia state who is an illustrious son of the state, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu.
In statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru described Dr Onu as a thorough bred politician and an advocate of justice and fairness.
He noted that the state and indeed Nigerians would miss his candour and relentless commitment to the development of the state and Nigeria in general.
The Governor prayed God to grant the family and the people of the state the fortitude to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has extended his deepest condolences to the Onu family over the passing of former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu.
Chief Onu, who was also the first civilian Governor of Abia State, died yesterday at the age of seventy-two.
In a condolence message signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu described the late Onu as “a luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament.”
According to the condolence message, “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.
“President Tinubu affirmes 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,” the statement concluded.
Similarly, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep sadness at the news of the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
He described Onu’s death as a significant loss to the nation.
Dr. Onu, who also served as the first civilian Governor of Abia State, passed away 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,” Obi’s message read.
The statement further pointed out that “He courageously championed equity and good governance, leaving a lasting impact on our nation.”
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.
“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.
