Tinubu Pays Tribute to Ex Abia Gov, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Says ‘He was a True Progressive, Quintessential Politician’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the first Executive Governor of Abia State and immediate past Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
In a letter of tribute titled: Goodnight, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. Goodbye Perfect Gentleman, President Tinubu recounted the sterling qualities of the late civil engineer and politician both as an academic/scholar, scientist and a politician.
According to the President, “Dr. Onu was a true progressive. He was also a quintessential politician, one many adored and looked up to for inspiration.”
Recounting the role of the former lecturer in the formative years of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Tinubu noted that Dr. Onu’s contributions remain “on the record,” and that his role in the fact that APC has now produced two Nigerian Presidents cannot ever be wished away. He reiterates that “we must thank Dr. Onu among others , for this critical work in the birth of our party and for what we have achieved so far.”
As a governor of Abia State, President Tinubu acknowledged the foundational developmental role Dr. Onu played in establishing the state on a strong footing that has now outlived him.
President Tinubu wrote, “Dr. Onu did much more than the invaluable role he played in forming APC. He contributed a lot to the development of Abia State and Nigeria. Prolific author and renowned engineer Dr. Onu was the first civilian governor of Abia State. He did the pioneering work, laying the infrastructural foundation for the state’s development for other successive governors to build on.”
The President also acknowledged the Dr. Onu’s brilliance and commitment to public service noting that his shining leadership culminated to his becoming the longest serving minister of Science and Technology. “He was a brilliant administrator, and a committed public servant, “the president wrote.
Dr. Onu died on April 11, 2024 and his remains has been scduled to be committed to mother earth in November at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
