– Say a statesman is gone
April 14, 2024
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the death of the first governor of Abia State Chief Onu who was one of the founding fathers of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaker Abbas, in his condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, described the late Onu as a brilliant scholar, excellent engineer, disciplined politician and an elder statesman, whose passion for democracy and good governance was immeasurable.
The Speaker recalled how Chief Onu, as the national chairman of the defunct All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP), worked with leaders of other progressive legacy political parties to form the APC, with the aim of changing the country for the better.”
Also expressing grief about the former minister’s demise, former governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the event as deeply saddening, not only for himself but also for the entire nation.
Umahi said Onu’s demise becomes more painful considering his precedents in intellect, integrity, industry, objectivity, and passion for excellence in all his encounters in governance and public affairs.
In his condolence message on Saturday to the people and governments of Abia and Ebonyi State and the family of the late statesman, Umahi said, “It is with shock and a deep sense of loss that I received the sad news of the passing of my dear brother and great trailblazer, His Excellency, Dr Christopher Ogbonnaya Onu, former Minister of Science and Technology and pioneer Civilian Governor of Abia State, who was called to eternal glory on the 11th day of April 2024 at the age of 72 years.
“It is indeed the bitterest moment for the people of Uburu community where I hail from and a great loss not only to Ebonyi State but also to the nation where he made a remarkable impact in nation-building and service to humanity.
“My people have lost an illustrious son who set a hallmark of precedents in intellect, integrity, industry, objectivity, and passion for excellence in all his encounters in governance and public affairs.
“My deepest condolences go to his dear wife and children, the entire family of HRH late Eze David Abba Onu, Eze Adu1 of Uburu Adu Kingdom, and indeed all those who have been afflicted by this painful loss.
“At this moment of adversity, our consolation and fortitude are in the assurances that he lived the true purpose of life, which is service to God and humanity. May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
“As he makes his journey to immortality, I pray for God’s eternal mercies upon him, as I convey most heartily to the family, the assurances of the compassionate considerations, esteemed regards and best wishes of my family, the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works”.
The late Onu’s defunct political party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) yesterday described him as an exceptional politician and patriot
In a statement in Abuja, NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed expressed sadness over the recent passing of the former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation saying Onu’s death was a huge loss to the nation.
The party recalled Onu’s leadership, consistency and contributions to national unity.
“With profound sadness, we express our heartfelt condolences to the family and associates of the late Dr. Ogbonanya Onu. We express our sincere and heartfelt condolence to his relation and our colleague, the NNPP Deputy National Chairman (South) Prince Nwaeze Onu, on this huge loss.