Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has expressed shock and sadness over the demise of former Abia State Governor, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu described Onu’s death as a huge loss to Ndi Igbo of the South East and Nigeria in general.
The Deputy Speaker said that Onu who also served as Minister of Science and Technology in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration epitomized humility, patience, thoroughness, gentility and hardwork.
He recalled Onu’s time as the first democratically elected governor of Abia, saying that he championed people-oriented policies that elevated the status of the State while the regime lasted.
Also as a minister, Kalu said that Onu was zealous about the scientific growth and the technological development of the country.
Noting the deceased patriotic spirit, intellectual, technological and innovative prowess, Kalu said the death of the first-class scholar at a time his mentorship is needed most is disheartening.
Acknowledging however that no one can question the Will of God, Kalu enjoined Onu’s family, professional colleagues and political allies to take solace in the fact that he left a legacy of honesty and decency and also contributed his quota to the development of the nation.
The Deputy Speaker prayed God to grant Onu’s soul eternal rest.