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, who passed away on today at the age of 72.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelele, said the President “mourns a luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament” who also once served as 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.
Ngelale added: “Most importantly, 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 affirms that Chief Onu epitomises Nigeria in concord; in wholeness, as the late statesman believed in and defended Nigeria’s unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship across the Niger.”
He said the President also condoled with Onu’s friends and associates, the Ebonyi and Abia state governments, and “all Nigerians grieving this gaping loss.”
“President Tinubu prays to God Almighty to grant repose to the gentle soul of this great leader,” he said.