The Abia State Government has declared its commitment to preserving the memory of its late first civilian governor, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who passed away last Friday.
Governor Alex Otti, in a press statement, conveyed his profound shock and sorrow at the sudden passing of Onu.
Emma Nwaka, a former 3rd Republic Senator who represented the Old Abia North district, which includes Ubulu and Ohozara in what is now Ebonyi State—Onu's place of origin—described his reaction to the news of the former governor's passing as one of "rude shock."
Otti described Onu's passing as "a monumental loss to Abia State, Ebonyi State, the Igbo nation, and indeed Nigeria as a whole."
A press release from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, stated that Onu was "a living statesman endowed with the character, presence, and dignified disposition needed to steer the nation towards improvement."
The Governor remarked, "Dr. Ogbonnaya was a gentleman and a statesman of considerable experience and knowledge, who was remarkable for his integrity."
The press release continued: "Despite holding public office as both a governor and minister during challenging times, he was never involved in any conduct or controversies that could tarnish his reputation.
"We are deeply grieved by his departure at a moment when his wise contributions and interventions were greatly needed in Nigeria."
Otti called on current politicians to follow Onu's example of integrity and satisfaction in public service as a means to restore integrity to the political system.
