Owie Mourns Death of Former Governor of Abia State, Ogbonnaya Onu
By Reporter
Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Rowland Owie, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the pioneer Executive Governor of Abia State and immediate past Honourable Minister for Science and Technology.
Dr Onu, a first class graduate of chemical engineering from the University of Lagos, earned a PhD in the same discipline from the University of California, Berkley, and was widely regarded as a “Scholar Statesman” who left behind an extraordinary legacy that made him one of Nigeria’s most cerebral public servants.
In his statement, Senator Owie paid tribute to Dr. Onu, acknowledging his significant contributions to the development of Abia State, and indelible achievements as the State’s pioneer Governor.
He described Dr. Onu as an exceptional academic and thought leader who fearlessly ventured into partisan politics, paving the way for countless others.
“Dr Onu was a trailblazer and a visionary. His remarkable journey in public service began with his election as Executive Governorof Abia.
In the build up to the election, I was privileged to have conducted the party primaries of the National Republican Convention (NRC), from where he emerged as candidate of the party” Senator Owie remarked.
“Dr. Onu’s groundbreaking groundbreaking work as Governor of Abia remains a model till date. His humility, candor and commitment to justice remain unparalleled.”
“Beyond his accomplishments in governance, Dr. Onu played an instrumental role as a prominent Chieftain and National Chairman of the now defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).
“His wealth of experience and expertise greatly contributed to the effective management of party affairs and the ultimate merger of the party with like minds to form what is now known as the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
“A worthy son of Ohaozara, Dr. Onu will forever be remembered for his pursuit of excellence and unwavering public service spirit,” Senator Owie emphasized.
Senator Owie extended his heartfelt condolences to the Onu family, the people of Ohaozara, the Government and people of Abia State, as well as Dr Onu’s friends and associates.
He prayed that the Almighty God would grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
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