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Tag: Ogbonnaya Onu

  • Abbas eulogizes late Onu, describes him as beacon of decent politics

    Abbas eulogizes late Onu, describes him as beacon of decent politics

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, describing him as a man who redefined the standards of Nigerian politics with integrity, decorum, and enduring patriotism.

    Speaking during the first memorial lecture  held in memory of the former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Speaker remarked that Dr. Onu’s political journey stood in stark contrast to the often negative portrayal of Nigerian politics.

    “Going by the negative characterization of Nigerian politics, it would be right to say that Dr. Onu was too good to be involved in politics. However, he has proved that politics can be good depending on the character of the political players,” Abbas said. “Dr. Onu brought decorum, decency, and discipline in the manner he played his politics.”

    Dr. Onu’s political journey began in 1991 when he was elected Governor of Abia State under the National Republican Convention (NRC) and was sworn in on January 2, 1992. Although his time in office was cut short, he remained an active participant in Nigeria’s political and scientific development.

    Following the return of democratic governance in 1998, Onu joined the All People’s Party (APP), later known as the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He was elected as the APP’s presidential candidate but later stepped down in favour of Chief Olu Falae of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), as part of an inter-party agreement aimed at healing the wounds of the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola.

    In 2011, Onu became the National Chairman of the ANPP, playing a pivotal role in uniting opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), the coalition that went on to defeat the ruling party in the 2015 general elections. He was subsequently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

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    “Dr. Onu was truly a man of enduring faith, highly principled and contented till his unfortunate demise,” Speaker Abbas continued. “He never changed his progressive political ideology, even when it was fashionable and attractive to do so.”

    In 2022, Onu resigned from the cabinet to contest for the APC presidential ticket. During the primary, he passionately advocated for justice for the Southeast region, questioning the fairness of the party’s nomination process with his now-famous line: “Where is the justice?”

    “He felt very strongly that the Southeast should have been given a chance to get the ticket,” Abbas said. “But he never left the party or lost faith in a united Nigeria. Onu believed that if it was the will of God, he would become the President of Nigeria one day.”

    Although that dream did not materialize, Speaker Abbas expressed hope that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would fulfill Onu’s lifelong desire for justice and inclusiveness in Nigeria.

    “Nigeria would be doing the wish of Dr. Onu when that justice he craved is restored to this country. This is a dream I am optimistic that the administration of Bola Tinubu would bring to fruition,” he said.

    Reflecting on his journey in government, he noted that Onu’s contributions to national development, particularly in science, technology, and innovation, created over 900,000 jobs and saved the nation more than N1 trillion.

    Highlighting Dr. Onu’s remarkable achievements, the Speaker noted that his tenure as minister ushered in a transformative era for the country’s scientific and technological landscape.

    “As Minister, Dr. Onu’s contributions are well documented. He was instrumental in creating over 900,000 jobs and saving the country over N1 trillion by reducing the importation of raw materials,” Abbas stated, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    He also credited Dr. Onu with initiating the National Strategy for Competitiveness in Raw Materials, which helped improve Nigeria’s global ranking, as reflected in the 2018-2019 World Economic Forum assessment. Additionally, Dr. Onu launched the Annual Science and Technology Expo, a platform that brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to foster commercialization of scientific research.

    According to Abbas, Dr. Onu reformed the Ministry of Science and Technology through transparency initiatives and effective administration, which led to the Ministry winning the 2019 SERVICOM Award for Excellence in Service Delivery.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the late minister was credited with leveraging Nigeria’s scientific capabilities. Under his guidance, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) developed the first made-in-Nigeria ventilators and disinfectant sprayers.

    Speaker Abbas also highlighted Onu’s commitment to youth development through initiatives such as the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA), which granted scholarships to outstanding young scientists.

  • Tinubu, Southeast governors, others bid Ogbonnaya Onu goodbye

    Tinubu, Southeast governors, others bid Ogbonnaya Onu goodbye

    The body of the late first civilian Governor of Abia State and former Minister of Science and Technology Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has been laid to rest in his country home, Uburu Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    President Bola Tinubu;  Senator Anyim Pius, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; 2023 presidential candidate of the  Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahj. Umar Ganduje; Governors, Alex Otti, Francis Nwifuru and Peter Mbah, were among prominent Nigerians that attended the burial.

    Other personalities who attended the burial include Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State who was represented by his Deputy, and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodimma represented by his Deputy, former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi former Rivers State governor.

    Onu, who died at 72, was buried on Friday.

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    In his tribute, President Tinubu who was represented by Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi described Onu as a perfect gentleman who lived a selfless life and contributed immensely to the development of the country.

    Tinubu noted that the late former National Chairman of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party(ANPP) would be remembered for the great sacrifice he made for the unity and progress of the nation.

    He recalled that Onu played a significant role in the formation of the ruling All APC and prayed to God to grant his soul internal rest in his paradise.

    Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State in his remarks said the late Onu played a vital role in the development and unity of the country.

    “Through every role he held, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice, development, and unity.  He pursued equity and social justice till his last breath on earth.

    Nwifuru noted that the late Onu dedicated himself wholly, not just to building infrastructure while serving as Abia governor from where some part of Ebonyi politically and sociologically grew, but to building people, uniting communities, and elevating the voices of those who often were unheard.

      ‘He was a patriot, dignified politician’

     The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, while paying homage to the late Onu, described him as a patriot and dignified politician.

    The APC chieftain’s statement underscores the party’s appreciation for Dr. Onu’s longstanding contributions to the political and socioeconomic development of Nigeria. “Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu was a man of impeccable character, unwavering principles, and unparalleled dedication to the betterment of our dear country.

    “His service as the first civilian governor of Abia State and his subsequent role as the Minister of Science and Technology have left an indelible mark on the nation.”

    Arodiogbu commended Dr. Onu’s steadfast commitment to promoting science, technology, and innovation as critical drivers of Nigeria’s development.

    During his tenure as the Minister of Science and Technology from 2015 to 2019, Dr. Onu championed initiatives aimed at harnessing the country’s vast scientific and technological resources to address pressing socioeconomic challenges.

  • Lagos Rep hails elder statesman, Onu

    Lagos Rep hails elder statesman, Onu

    A member of the House of Representatives for the Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos State Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon (Barr) Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, has hailed former Abia State Governor and elder statesman, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, describing him as a man who ennobled politics with virtue.

    The Labour Party lawmaker in a statement on Monday in Abuja said if there is any special trait readily noticeable in Onu, it is his calm composure and permanent exudation of sanguinity.

    He said this this striking feature of Dr. Onu’s is so infectious that many have testified that hardly have they ever caught him in a state of unease or distress.

    “Despite being a consummate politician, how Dr. Onu managed to navigate the murky waters of active politics without amassing enemies to himself is for many the mark of genius. Which is why observers say no-one ever spoke ill or unkind words about Dr. Onu – a man known for his Spartan discipline and high ethics,” he said

    The lawmaker said Onu meant many positive things to different people.

    “For not a few, he was the paragon of dependability and constancy. “His word was his bond,” further enthused Okorie. He was steady, unfazed, upbeat, and unyielding like the Rock of Gibraltar. He pitched his tent with the opposition at a time it appeared a political injudicious thing to do. All through the transmogrification of the opposition from the All Peoples Party (APP) to the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Onu happily rode the ebb and the flow,” he said.

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    The lawmaker said whilst his political peers easily jumped ship from the opposition to the ruling party and back to the opposition for their benefit, Dr. Onu remained focused and contented.

    “Hence, in 2015, his constancy paid off, as his party, the APC swept the polls in a landslide. It trounced the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) beyond belief at the general election of that year, following which Dr. Onu was appointed the Minister for Science and Technology.

    “Dr. Onu was a man of conviction. He was also a thoroughgoing detribalised Nigerian. He was seemingly guided by the principles of unity, equity, teamwork, bridge-building and compromise. Yet he was an incurable Igbo romantic, playing a major role in the Ohaneze Ndigbo as a unifying figure. His leadership within Ohanaeze Ndigbo was a testament to his profound commitment to the welfare of the Igbo people, advocating for their rights and spearheading their socio-economic growth.

    “He was however not narrowly detained by his Igboness, which he rather saw and exploited as a spring-board for connection and friendship across Nigeria’s extensive ethnic bandwidth. Hence, during his first foray into politics in the Second Republic, Dr. Onu ran for Senatorial seat on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) instead of the more ethnically tilted Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe-led Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP). He won the governorship seat in Abia State not on the platform of the more popular Social Democratic Party (SDP), but on the National Republican Convention (NRC) ticket.

    “Although he’d lived the greater part of his life as a career politician, he never lost touch with his roots as an academic, and lover of education and mentorship of the young. He remained a teacher at heart, and a scholar. Which explains why his spell as Abia State governor saw him establishing the Abia State Polytechnics in Aba; the College of Education at Arochukwu; while at the same time attracting the establishment of the Michael Okpara Federal University of Agriculture in Abia State, precisely at Umudike, near Umuahia.

    “To be sure, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu was a graceful gentleman for whom the pacta sunt savanda principle was the lubricant of human relations. His disarming humility, integrity, humanity, sincerity and rectitude distinguished him as one who eschewed inordinate ambition, and also as one who was rather guided in his politics by patriotism and the ennobling need to serve humanity with the instrumentality of political office,” Onuakalusi said.

  • Burial for Ogbonnaya Onu to hold November 8

    Burial for Ogbonnaya Onu to hold November 8

    The remains of the first elected governor of Abia State and immediate past Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, will be buried on November 8 at Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The first chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Elected Governors died on April 11, after an illness.

    He was 73.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the committee for the burial of the former National Chairman of the defunct All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP), signed by former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and former Transportation Minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, showed that the five-day event will hold in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Abia, and Ebonyi states.

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    The burial committee said a night of tributes will hold on November 4 at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja by 5 p.m, while a Requiem Mass will hold at the Church of Assumption in Asokoro, Abuja on November 5.

    It said the lying in state of the remains of the 2023 presidential aspirant will hold at the Abia State Executive Council Chambers on November 6 by 11 a.m.

    The line-up for the burial ceremony also showed that another round of tributes will hold at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, the Ebonyi State capital, same day by 1 p.m.

    On November 7, 2024, another ying in state will take place at the Ebonyi State Executive Council Chambers at noon and a requiem mass/Christian wake will hold at Uburu by 5 p.m.

    A funeral service and interment of the deceased will hold at Uburu by 11 a.m on November 8, the statement added.

  • Ex-Minister Onu for burial November 8

    Ex-Minister Onu for burial November 8

    The remains of the first elected Abia Governor and former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu will be buried on November 8, 2024 in his country Home, Uburu in Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State.

    The first chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Elected Governors passed on April 11, 2024 after a brief illness at 73.

    A statement by the burial committee of the former National Chairman of the defunct All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) by former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi in Abuja on Tuesday showed that the five-day funeral ceremony will hold in Abuja, Abia and Ebonyi States.

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    According to the burial committee, a night of tributes is slated for November 4, 2024 at Musa Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja by 5 pm while a Requiem Mass in his honour will hold at Church of Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja on November 5, 2024.

    Lying in State of the 2023 presidential aspirant is billed for the Abia State Executive Council Chambers on November 6 by 11.00 am

    The line-up for the burial ceremony also showed that another round of day of tributes will hold at International Conference Centre Umuahia, the Ebonyi State capital same day by 1 pm.

    On November 7, Lying in State will be conducted at Ebonyi State Executive Council Chambers by I2 noon and a Requiem Mass/Christian Wake will hold at Uburu by 5 pm.

    The funeral service and interment at Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State – 11 am is billed to hold on November 8, 2024.

  • Ogbonnaya Onu (1951 – 2024)

    Ogbonnaya Onu (1951 – 2024)

    • An engineer, politician, author and first civilian governor of Abia State

    As a politician, he demonstrated a noteworthy sense of history by writing an unprecedented book on the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which became Nigeria’s ruling party in 2015.  According to the publisher’s blurb, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu’s 2015 book, titled ‘From Opposition to Governing Party: Nigeria’s APC Merger Story,’ tells the story of how he “initiated the first successful merger of major opposition political parties which won the 2015 national elections in Nigeria, the roles played by other political leaders, sacrifices made, the challenges encountered and the prospects for effective competition in Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.”

    In his foreword to the book, the then President, Muhammadu Buhari, said: “The role played by Dr Onu in the beginning and especially at the critical stage of the merger cannot be underestimated.” The APC achieved a historic electoral victory in 2015, when it defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had produced Nigeria’s president since the country returned to democracy in 1999.

    Defeating a ruling party that had enjoyed 16 years in power was a significant political feat. In a 2014 interview, Onu said he started the campaign for a merger of the opposition parties “to challenge and defeat” the ruling PDP in 2004, 11 years before it finally happened, adding that he “didn’t do it so that I would be given recognition. I did it because it is important for our country and I am so happy that we have two dominant political parties.” He stressed the point that the country needed to have an alternative to a ruling party.

    Onu’s death on April 11, aged 72, drew attention to the country’s political evolution, and the emergence of the APC, which remains the ruling party nearly a decade after it attained power.

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    Born in Amata, Uburu, in present-day Ebonyi State, he was an academic before he became a politician. He earned a first class degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 1976, and a doctorate in the same discipline from the University of California, Berkeley, USA, in 1980. He taught in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt, and was the pioneer head of the department. He also served as the acting dean, Faculty of Engineering, and was a member of the university’s Governing Council. 

    As a professional, he was a certified member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, and a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers. He held six patents and wrote books on various subjects, including philosophy, politics, developmental studies, science and technology.

    He tasted power as the first civilian governor of Abia State, from January 1992 to November 1993, when the military overturned the democratic transition programme. He ran for governor as a member of the National Republican Convention (NRC), and was the first chairman, Conference of Nigerian elected governors.

    In 1999, he was the presidential candidate of the All People’s Party (APP), but his party’s alliance with the Alliance for Democracy (AD) eventually led to the choice of another candidate. In 2010, he became the national chairman of the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP). In 2013, his party merged with Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Democratic People’s Party (DPP) and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to form the APC.

    After the APC’s victory in the 2015 presidential election, he was a two-term Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation under President Buhari, making him the longest serving minister with such responsibility. He introduced the annual National Science & Technology Week in 2017 to showcase inventors and inventions, and initiated the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award to encourage Nigerian youths in science, technology and innovation. 

    He notably resigned from the Buhari administration to pursue his presidential aspiration, and unsuccessfully  contested the APC’s presidential primary in 2022. A recipient of the Nigerian national honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), in 2022, he left a legacy of ideas and passionate patriotism.

  • ‘Onu was a peace maker extraordinaire’

    ‘Onu was a peace maker extraordinaire’

    Former candidate for defunct ANPP in Kogi State in 2011, Dr. Zubairu Atta, has mourned former National Chair and former Abia State Governor Ogbonnaya Onu.

    Babajide, in a statement, described the late leader as “a man of sagacity and peace broker extraordinaire”.

     The former candidate noted Onu brokered peace in ANPP and outside the party to form the greatest political mergers that produced APC.

    His words: “I commiserate with the family and Abia State on the passing of national chairman of erstwhile All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

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    “The late political sage was a man of sagacity and peace broker extraordinaire. He could understand a difficult situation, harness available resources whether in party or outside and bring them to solve the problem.

    “In 2011  elections in Kogi, there was furore over how my principal, Ubolo Okpanachi, conceded defeat to the incumbent, Idris Wada.

    “The national leadership under Onu was incensed we did not explore other options.

    “The manner with which he managed the crisis earned adoration from many.

    “He managed the merger of our party with All Nigeria Congress (ANC) to form what is All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “These lessons in inclusive leadership are worthy of emulation. Indeed, he was a bridge builder,” Atta said.

  • Nigeria lost a great man, Okomiso mourns Onu

    Nigeria lost a great man, Okomiso mourns Onu

    A political stalwart in Cross River State, Chief Patrick Okomiso, has mourned the passing away of the first civilian governor of Abia State, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, at 7, saying fbe country has lost a great man.

    Okomiso, in a statement in Abuja, described the late elder statesman as a friend and brother, who will be greatly missed.

    He described the late Onu as a disciplined brilliant scholar and consummate politician who was committed to the progress of the country.

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    Okomiso said Onu was a truly detribalised Nigerian who was passionate about democracy and good governance.

    “He always stood for the truth. He is one Nigerian that I know that if we follow his mind it will be well with Nigeria. He was a great man. He offered selfless service to Nigeria, as a governor, as a party chairman, as a minister and in various other capacities he found himself. Nigeria has indeed lost a great man. I would miss him more on my birthday, as he always calls me every year on my birthday,” he said.

    He condoled with the Onu family, the people, and governments of Ebonyi and Abia States and prayed God to grant him eternal rest.

  • Ngige hails Ogbonnaya Onu

    Ngige hails Ogbonnaya Onu

    Former Governor of Anambra State and two-time Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has mourned the death of the former Governor of Old Abia State and immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu.

    Ngige expressed shock and deep grief over the demise of Onu, describing his exit as an unquantifiable loss to Nigeria,  the entire Igboland, and the South East geo-political zone in particular.

    He noted that the account of political development in the country, especially from the truncated Third Republic till date, cannot be complete without mentioning Dr Onu’s positive contributions.

    According to him, when Nigerians needed a change from the 16- year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Onu made himself the sacrificial lamb to offer Nigerians an alternative in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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    Ngige recalled with nostalgia, their first meeting in 1993 when Onu was the Governor of Abia State on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and himself, the President of the Igbo socio-economic think-tank, Aka Ikenga, to discuss South East regional integration.

    He said, “We got closer in 2012 during the formation of APC. At that time, I belonged to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and others. As a matter of fact, I volunteered, and was assigned the role of monitoring Dr. Onu to continue with the merger discussion, during which he selflessly gave up his ANPP National Chairmanship to see that the merger succeeded.

    “The merger of ANPP, Muhammadu Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), our party, ACN, and a faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) led by then Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, produced the ruling APC in 2013.

    “By 2015, we ousted the PDP and became the ruling party at the centre. I was appointed Minister of Labour and Employment, and Onu, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. Both of us served eight years in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “As a former colleague in the FEC, I remember his intelligent contributions to memos during our weekly meetings. The country lost a teacher, an erudite  scholar, intellectual, politician and public servant par excellence.”

  • Akpabio, govs, others mourn Ogbonnaya Onu

    Akpabio, govs, others mourn Ogbonnaya Onu

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and governors across the country among other eminent citizens have sent their  heartfelt condolences to the family of a former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu.

    Onu, who died at the age of 72 in Abuja on Thursday served as minister under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2022.

    A statement from Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh described the late Onu as “a perfect gentleman who will be sorely missed for his wisdom, mature composure, zest for excellence and proven integrity.”

    He said Onu was known for coming first in every endeavour he engaged in and played politics without bitterness in all his life.

    “I am deeply saddened by the death of Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, a man with first in all his life endeavours. He came first in his secondary school (WAEC), he was the overall best student in the high school (HSc) and made a First Class in Chemical Engineering at the University of Lagos, coming top of his class.

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    “Onu was also the first civilian governor of Abia state and was the first presidential candidate of the All Peoples Party (APP) before stepping down for Chief Olu Falae.

    “He sacrificed in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contributed immensely to the successes recorded by the party. He played a significant role in the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He was an accomplished family man, politician, academic and leader in all ramifications.

    “On behalf of my family, the Senate and the National Assembly, I wish him eternal rest with the Lord. And may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    The late minister’s state governor,  Francis Nwifuru in a statement in Abakaliki yesterday, described Onu as a “patriotic leader”.

    He noted that his death was a huge loss to the state and Nigeria at large.

    “I received with rude shock the news of the death of former governor of Old Abia, and an illustrious Son of our state, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu.

    “Onu, who served the Nigeria nation in various capacities, was a thoroughbred politician and an advocate of justice and fairness.

    “It is indeed a sad development losing a patriotic leader who stopped at nothing but rendering best services to his people,” the governor said.

    Nwifuru noted that Onu would be remembered for his wit, candour, knack for excellence and relentless commitment to the development of Ebonyi and the nation.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Ebonyi, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family and pray God to give them fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he stated.

    In his condolence message, the National Vice Chairman of the APC (SouthEast) , Arodiogbu described Onu as a principled politician who contributed immensely to the successes of the APC stating that the zone would surely miss his wisdom and level of experience.

    In a statement put out by his office, Arodiogbu said: “I received the news of the passing of the former Governor of Abia State and two time Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu with immense sadness. Onu as we know was a principled politician and a statesman of repute who contributed immensely to the political development of the Nigerian nation. His strides and achievements as Governor of Abia State as well as a minister cannot be wished away.

    “A dexterous politician we cannot forget his imprints in the APP Presidential Primaries of 1999 where he emerged victorious but was magnanimous in allowing the APP-AD alliance which cost him the ticket. “

    Also eulogizing the virtues of the deceased, the  Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, said  the former minister left behind a legacy of humility, hard work, and exceptional service to the nation.

    Yahaya, who is the governor of Gombe State, in a condolence message on behalf of the 19 northern governors, said the late Onu made remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.

    This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House in Gombe.

    The NSGF chairman recalled that the late Onu’s tenure as governor of Abia and his subsequent role as Minister of Science and Technology were characterised by dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

    He said: “Chief Ogbonnaya Onu’s demise marks the end of an era but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations in their service to Nigeria.

    “The northern states governors’ forum joins the nation in mourning the loss of a distinguished statesman and offers prayers for the repose of his soul.”

    Former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi,

    expressed shock at Onu’s death, noting that the late politician with whom he served in the federal cabinet between 2015 and 2018 was a man of great integrity who played a pivotal role in the struggle to establish democracy in Nigeria.

    In a statement issued by his media team, Fayemi said: “In the lead-up to the historic 1999 presidential elections, Dr. Onu took the courageous step of stepping down as the presidential candidate of the All People’s Party (APP) in favour of Chief Olu Falae, the presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). This selfless act exemplified his dedication to the greater good of the country and his willingness to prioritize national interests over personal ambition.

    ‘’Throughout his illustrious career in public service, Dr. Onu was a steadfast advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability. He served meritoriously in various capacities, including as Governor of Abia State and as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, where he championed initiatives aimed at harnessing science and technology for national development.

     ‘’As his colleague in the Buhari cabinet, I can attest to the fact that he was exemplary in many ways. His prodigious intellect, immense capacity, stellar character and compassionate love for the Nigerian people was evident all through his time as Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation.

     ‘’I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, associates, and the Governments and people of Abia and Ebonyi States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I pray that the Almighty God will give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”