Some Anambra residents have expressed shock at the demise of the first civilian governor of Abia State and former Minister of Science and Technology under former President Muhammadu’s administration, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onu died at a hospital in Abuja on Thursday after an undisclosed illness.
Some residents told NAN in Awka on Thursday that they were shocked to hear the news, as they never heard that he was sick. Reports on the death of the statesman in Awka on Thursday show that most respondents praised him.
Mr. Chris Azor, Chairman, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) and President, International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), said the news of Onu’s death sent goosebumps as he had never heard of his health challenge.
According to Azor, a big Iroko has fallen, and the Igbo community has lost a rare breed of the finest in political paralance and otherwise.
“The former governor was one of the most brilliant and detribalized Nigerians and was the longest-serving minister of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
“One of his legacies includes a huge leadership endowment, being a being a team player, author, and brilliant engineer, with an entire life dedicated to Nigeria’s development and prosperity.
“He will be sorely missed, and may God grant him eternal rest, “Azor cried.
Prof. Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, described the death of Onu as “devastating for the Igbo nation.”.
Okunna, a onetime Commissioner for Information in Anambra, said as a tribe, the Igbos have lost their strong sons and daughters who are always speaking out for them.
She described Onu as a detribalized Nigerian; though he was Igbo, he spoke out for the welfare of the nation as a whole; he will be terribly missed.
Chief Chris Eluemunoh, former Anambra President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, described the death of Onu as an “end to an era.”.
Eluemunoh said that Onu was one of the Nigerians who believed in one Nigeria, fought for good governance, and was inclusive of all Nigerians in the nation’s polity.
He said that his legacies would live on to remind us that he stood for the unity and oneness of Nigeria. (NAN)
