By tf-lawyer.com In an emotional tribute, President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences for the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the first civilian governor of Abia State and former Minister of Science and Technology. Titled “Goodnight, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Goodbye Perfect Gentleman,” the two-page statement highlights Onu’s significant impact as a leader whose absence will be profoundly felt across the nation, among family, friends, and colleagues.
President Tinubu, who personally signed the tribute, emphasized Onu’s status as a true progressive and an exemplary politician. “His contributions to the formation of our legacy party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), cannot be overstated,” he noted, referencing the two presidents the party has produced—Muhammadu Buhari and himself.
“On behalf of all Nigerians, I express our gratitude to Dr. Onu for his invaluable services. We pray that his soul finds peace in the bosom of the Lord. His legacy will serve as an enduring source of inspiration for us to pursue the ideals he championed,” Tinubu remarked.
Reflecting on Dr. Onu’s life, the president recalled the impact he had on Nigeria’s political landscape. “When Dr. Onu passed away on April 11, 2024, it was clear that our nation had lost a perfect gentleman, an elder statesman, and a devoted patriot who firmly believed in our country’s potential to achieve greatness.”
The president praised Dr. Onu’s role in the progressive movement, noting his tireless efforts leading up to the emergence of the APC in 2015. “His leadership was pivotal in uniting different factions within the All Nigeria Peoples Party to collaborate with the Action Congress of Nigeria and the Congress for Progressive Change, ultimately giving birth to the APC we know today.”
Tinubu expressed the necessity for current leaders to honor Dr. Onu’s legacy by committing to good governance and improving the lives of Nigerians. “It is crucial for us, as leaders of the APC and the nation, to uphold the values Dr. Onu stood for. We must strive to continue his work and ensure that we make him proud.”
Dr. Onu’s contributions extended beyond politics. As Abia State’s first civilian governor, he laid the groundwork for infrastructure development, which subsequent governors have built upon. His tenure as Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation from November 2015 until his resignation in 2022 marked him as the longest-serving minister in that department, underscoring his competence and dedication.
“Dr. Onu was more than a politician; he was a prolific author and a respected engineer. His soft-spoken and amiable demeanor won him the affection of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His absence leaves a void in our nation and amongst his family, colleagues, and the countless individuals inspired by his leadership.”
In closing, President Tinubu reiterated the nation’s gratitude for Dr. Onu’s remarkable contributions. “As he takes his final bow, we thank him for his invaluable services to Nigeria, and we pray that he finds eternal rest. His legacy will forever inspire us to pursue the ideals he held dear.”
