Former President Muhammadu Buhari has joined family members of the former Minister Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, and the entire nation in mourning.

Buhari, among scores of Nigerians, described late Onu as a notable politician, who was the first civilian governor of Abia state and later minister of Science, Technology and Innovation under his administration.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, Thursday in Abuja, former President Buhari said the nation had 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.”

Similarly, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sadness at the news of the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. 

In a condolence message on Thursday signed by Obi’s media aide, he described Onu’s death as a significant loss to the nation.

Obi hailed late Onu as a patriotic and inclusive Nigerian leader who served the nation diligently in various capacities. He highlighted Onu’s notable contributions to Nigeria’s educational advancement, both as a lecturer and an author.

“Dr. Onu epitomised leadership characterized by a commitment to peace, progress, and justice,” Obi’s message read. He courageously championed equity and good governance, leaving a lasting impact on our nation,” he said.

 …Death shocking, devastating – Uzodimma

In his reaction, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state expressed shock over the death of the former governor of old Abia state.

In a statement issued and made available to newsmen by his chief press secretary and media adviser, Oguwuike Nwachukwu, he said the “governor received with shock the sad, devastating and unexpected news of the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, a man he loves to describe as one of Nigeria’s intellectual and political giants with extraordinary gentility.”

According to the governor, “With Dr. Onu’s death, the South East, Nigeria and the global community have lost a statesman who believed so much in the unity, peace, progress and development of Nigeria.” 

…It’s huge loss to Ndi Igbo, Nigeria – Kalu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has expressed shock and sadness over the demise of former Abia state governor, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. 

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu described Onu’s death as a huge loss to Ndi Igbo of the South East and Nigeria in general.

He recalled Onu’s time as the first democratically elected governor of Abia, saying that he championed people-oriented policies that elevated the status of the State while the regime lasted. 

Also as a minister, Kalu said Onu was zealous about the scientific growth and the technological development of the country. 

Noting the deceased patriotic spirit, intellectual, technological and innovative prowess, Kalu said the death of the first-class scholar at a time his mentorship is needed most is disheartening. 

APC NWC mourns

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the death of the first civilian governor of Abia state, Ogbonnaya Onu as a big loss to the party and the country.

Expressing their condolences, two members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the party, Ijeoma Arodiogbu and Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru lamented the departure of the 72-year-old politician.

Confirming the death of the former minister, whom Arodiogbu described as one of the shining lights of the southeast region and a founding father of the APC, the NWC member said the late politician nursed an undisclosed illness for a while before his death.

According to the APC zonal chairman, “He has been ill for a while and had not been seen in public. Ogbonnaya Onu was a wonderful man. He was one of our best. You remember he was a presidential candidate but had to drop his ticket for Chief Olu Falae when the presidency was zoned to the South West.

“During the merger, he was one of the founding fathers of the party and remained a party man until his death. He was a big wig of the party in the South East. We will miss him so much,” he stated.

In the same vein the Deputy National Organising Secretary and former member of the House of Representatives, Nze Duru described the late Onu as a deliberate and focused gentleman whose death was a big blow to the ruling APC.