The minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has described the death of the former minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, as a great loss to Ebonyi people and Nigeria at large where he contributed greatly to nation-building and service to humanity.
The minister said Onu, the pioneer civilian governor of Abia State, was a trailblazer with hallmark of precedents in integrity and governance.
Also, the member for Ohafia South constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Kalu Mba-Nwoke has described the late former governor of the state, Ogbonnaya Onu as a rare-breed politician.
Nwoke spoke with LEADERSHIP Sunday yesterday in Umuahia, the state capital, while reacting to the death of the former governor, describing it as a huge loss to the South East and the country at large.
Dr Onu died on April 11, 2024 at the age of 72 years after a brief illness.
Umahi, the immediate past governor of the state in a condolence message said, "It is indeed the bitterest moment for the people of Uburu community where I hail from and a great loss not only to Ebonyi State, but also to the nation where he made a remarkable impact in nation-building and service to humanity.
"My people have lost an illustrious son who set a hallmark of precedents in intellects, integrity, industry, objectivity and passion for excellence in all his encounters in governance and public affairs.
"My deepest condolences go to his dear wife and children, the entire family of HRH late Eze David Abba Onu, Eze Adu 1 of Uburu Adu Kingdom, and indeed all those who have been afflicted by this painful loss.
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"At this moment of adversity, our consolation and fortitude are in the assurances that he lived the true purpose of life, which is service to God and humanity. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen."
He prayed for God's eternal mercies upon the late Dr Onu and assured the family of his compassionate considerations, esteemed regards and "best wishes of my family, the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works."
On his part, Mba-Nwoke said Onu was "a gentleman to the core. He believed and stood by whatever decision he took. He was a party loyalist who believed strongly in party supremacy at all times."
He argued that although Onu's reign was very brief, residents of the state would not forget in a hurry the late former governor's legacies, his achievements and vision for the state.
Consoling the Onu immediate family, his community, Ebonyi State, the South East, and the All Progressives Congress over his demise, he appealed to them to bear the loss with fortitude.
The House Committee chairman on Environment and Urban Renewal noted with satisfaction that Governor Alex Otti had not only mourned Onu but also promised to immortalise him.
"Governor Otti will, as a promise-keeping administrator, honour the late academic and politician per excellence befittingly in recognition of his contributions to the development to the state," he added.
