Tinubu, Buhari Mourn Ogbonnaya Onu

.Say he was an intellectual giant and loyal party man

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

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.”