Former governor of Anambra State and two-time Senator, Chris Ngige, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of former governor of Abia State and immediate past Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who passed away on Thursday.
Ngige described Onu’s demise as an “unquantifiable loss” not only to the South-East geopolitical zone but to the entire country. Speaking to journalists in his hometown in Alor on Saturday, Ngige highlighted Onu’s pivotal role in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in ending the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recalling their first meeting in 1993, Ngige reminisced about Onu’s leadership during their discussions on Southeast regional integration, emphasizing Onu’s commitment to national development and political reform.
Ngige praised Onu’s selflessness and dedication during the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2012, where Onu played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the merger discussions. He recounted how Onu sacrificed his position as the National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to facilitate the merger process, leading to the establishment of the ruling APC in 2013.
Reflecting on their tenure in the Federal Executive Council under President Muhammadu Buhari, Ngige commended Onu’s intellectual contributions and described him as an erudite scholar, politician, and public servant par excellence.
Ngige also highlighted Onu’s integrity and magnanimity, citing his unconditional withdrawal as the presidential candidate of the All People’s Party in 1999 in favor of the candidate of the Alliance for Democracy, following an alliance between both parties.