Buhari, Tinubu mourn Ogbonnaya Onu at 72

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have mourned the death of Chief Ogbonnaya Onu who passed away at the age of 72.

Ogbonnaya Onu passing was announced by the family on Thursday.

In a condolence message to the family, President Tinubu described the former Minister and First civilian governor of Abia State as a luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament.

He acknowledged Onu as a principal draughtsman in the founding of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a valiant partner in the victory of the party in the 2015 elections.

“Most important, the President celebrates the life of an accomplished scholar, first-class engineer; a man of proven integrity; defiant to indiscipline, but ever yielding to the highest standards of rectitude.”

“President Tinubu affirms that Chief Onu epitomizes Nigeria in concord; in wholeness, as the late statesman believed in and defended Nigeria’s unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship across the Niger.”

“The President also condoles with the friends and associates of Chief Onu, Ebonyi and Abia State Governments, and all Nigerians grieving this gaping loss.”

“President Tinubu prays to God Almighty to grant repose to the gentle soul of this great leader.” A statement by the President issued by his Special Adviser Media & Publicity read.

In the same vein, Former President Muhammadu Buhari joined family members of the deceased and the entire nation in mourning the demise of the former chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Buhari noted that the nation had lost “one of its most outstanding scientific minds and intellectuals.”

“He was an intellectual giant. My heart goes out to his family, the government and people of Abia State and the country at large. May his soul rest in peace.” The former President prayed.