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Former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Kalu, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the first civilian governor of Abia State. In a condolence message issued by his media office in Abakaliki, Senator Kalu acknowledged Onu’s significant contributions to nation-building and urged his family to take solace in the knowledge that their late patriarch lived a purposeful life.
Dr. Onu passed away in an Abuja hospital on Thursday after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to Nigeria. Despite his unsuccessful bid for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections, Onu’s impact on Nigerian politics and governance was widely recognized.
Senator Kalu described Onu as a frontline politician, author, engineer, and former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasizing his passion for national unity and progress. He urged Onu’s children and loved ones to uphold his worthy legacies, highlighting the profound loss experienced by the Igbo community and Nigeria as a whole.
“The late statesman was a consummate politician and selfless philanthropist who served meritoriously in various capacities in the public sector,” Senator Kalu remarked. He emphasized Onu’s invaluable contributions to national discourse and his outstanding leadership qualities, noting that his wise counsel on national issues would be sorely missed.
