By Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the pioneer civilian governor of Abia State and immediate past Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology was indeed here!
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu was a quintessential scholar, academician, politician and a patriotic leader. He was also a prolific writer and purveyor of knowledge.
As the first Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Onu’s patriotism and selflessness manifested as he tenaciously laid solid foundation for the development and progress of Abia State, even today the indelible marks of his footprints remain bold on the infrastructural foundations and the body politic of the God’s Own State .
A renown democrat, the sacrifice Dr. Onu made ahead of Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 when he patriotically, without bitterness relinquished his presidential ticket in favour of Chief Olu Falae stands tall till eternity.
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu redefined politics-without-bitterness, he stood for ideologically driven politics, he was a steadfast politician who was never driven by pecuniary gains, but a man ruled by a strong principle of integrity and honesty.
Perhaps, Dr. Ogbonnaya was one Nigerian politician that never believed in defection, irrespective of the attractions.
While he served as the longest ever minister of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya exemplified service to country, he was never controversial, he was never accused of any form of malfeasance, neither the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) nor the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) ever featured Dr. Onu’s name in their bulletin- he was that trusted, he was that honest!
It is very unfortunate that just when Nigeria needed the most, leaders in the hue of Dr. Ogbonnaya is when we lost this great statesman, but then he has done his work and his maker has called him home.
Dr. Ogbonnaya excelled, he lived a fulfilled life, a life that impacted humanity positively and a life that people are proud to be associated with.
As an Ohaozara man, as an Ebonyian, Igbo and generally as a Nigerian we will mourn his loss, but much more, we will celebrate him for he did us proud while he lived.
Jee Nke oma Okpeennem!
Adieu to a great man
Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, FHL.
Chairman, :Orient Global Group