Pioneer Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress,APC,Chief Bisi Akande has described the demise of former Science and Technology Minister,Dr Ognonaya Onu as a loss to Nigeria of an intellectual giant and astute leader .
In a condolence message signed by the former Osun state Governor, described the late politician as somebody he has worked with over the years especially during the process for the formation of the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC in 2014.
Full statement below:
I Commiserates with family of Dr Ogbonnaya OnuIt is with utmost sadness that I received the news of the death of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former governor of Abia state, former national Chairman of the ANPP and the immediate past Minister of Science and Technology.
Dr. Onu was my friend and political ally for many years especially since we worked together to midwife and birth Nigeria’s current ruling party, the All Progressives Party (APC) through a tortuos process that required principled management of men and resources.
When the process of reallignment by other political parties to confront the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) began in 2013, Dr. Onu as leader of one of the main opposition parties, the All Nigerian people Party (ANPP) was not just clear in his resolve to join the new political block, but provided immediate intellectual resources which our team put forward to promote the new group.
Late Dr Ognonaya Onu,former Minister of Science and Technology
In all his engagements, you were sure where he stood on any matter manifesting his natural finese, long years of brilliance in the academic world, and principled upbringing and gentle composure. It is on record that, until the merger of 2014, Dr. Onu did not leave his original party, the ANPP exemplifying a strong political character that only a few of us exhibit in Nigeria.
With his demise, I believe Nigeria has lost an astute leader, an intellectual giant, a peaceful man, a promoter of national unity and an excellent and disciplined family man. The young will have a lot to learn from what he stood for, his eloquence and principle.
On behalf of my family, I therefore condole with the good people of Ebonyi state, his immediate family and all Nigerians because in him was the epitome of all that is good in party politics and democratic engagement. May His soul rest in perfect peace.
