President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and other prominent Nigerians have expressed sorrow over the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the first civilian governor of Abia State.
Dr. Onu, who served as a minister in the previous administration of President Buhari, resigned to contest the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress, eventually losing to President Tinubu. He passed away in an Abuja Hospital after a brief illness, as confirmed by his family.
Born in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, the late 73-year-old politician, author, and engineer began his career as a teacher at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Ebonyi State. After completing his doctoral studies at the University of California, he became a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt.
Dr. Onu’s political journey started as an aspirant for a senatorial seat in the old Imo State under the National Party of Nigeria. He later contested and won the position of Governor of Abia State in 1991 under the National Republican Convention.
Mourning the loss, President Tinubu described Onu as a shining star in Nigeria’s political arena, celebrating his contributions to the founding of the APC and his integrity as a scholar and engineer. Similarly, former President Buhari hailed Onu as an intellectual giant and a notable politician.
The APC and various political figures, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, former governor Orji Kalu, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, expressed sadness over Onu’s demise, highlighting his immense contributions to Abia State and Nigeria.
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, pledged to honor and immortalize Onu’s legacy, emphasizing his role in advancing democracy and welfare in Abia State. Former Abia governor, Theodore Orji, and immediate past governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, also paid tribute to Onu, recognizing his outstanding contributions to nation-building.
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