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 Muhammedu’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 views on the death of the statesman in Awka on Thursday reports 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 goose dimples as he never heard of his health challenge.
According to Azor, a big Iroko has fallen and the Igbo community has lost a rare breed of finest in political paralance and otherwise.
“The former governor was one of the most brilliant and detribalised Nigerians and was the longest-serving minister of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
“One of his legacies include huge leadership endowment, team player, author, 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 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 detribalised 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 and fought and stood for good governance and inclusive of all Nigerians in the nation’s polity.
He said that his legacies would live on to remember that he stood for unity and oneness of Nigeria. (NAN)
