Jonathan, Ganduje, others pour encomium on Ogbonnaya Onu
By Jeffrey Agbo
Political leaders united on November 4 at Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja in their assessment of the first civilian governor of Abia State, the late Ogbonnaya Onu, as a quintessential leader.
Goodluck Jonathan, former Nigeria President, captured Onu’s personality as a man whose impact in life is measured not by the vast material wealth he accumulated but by the magnitude of indelible and intangible legacies he left behind.
Jonathan stated that unlike other Nigerian politicians who would want to accumulate wealth for generations yet unborn, he said, “Onu left behind an unblemished records in political service.”
The former President maintained that Onu left marks of knowledge and lessons that are documented in the many books he wrote while alive. With a touch of humour, Jonathan stated that the display of Onu’s pictures with his smiling faces around the tribute hall tells the message of how he approached issues of life with ease, wearing smiling looks.
He noted that Onu brought innovative dreams while he was the minister of science, technology and innovation with the firm belief that technology could be the country’s alternative revenue base. He however regretted that Onu could not achieve those lofty dreams not because they are not viable but because of what he described as the Nigeria factors.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described Onu as a man of integrity with exceptional patriotic spirit.
Speaking during the Night of Tributes, Kalu give a vivid account of how the former university don, national chairman of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and former presidential aspirant inspired the younger generation to leadership with a life of integrity.
Kalu’s emotional tribute also highlighted Onu’s exceptional virtues, including humility, simplicity, consistency, patience and hardwork.
Dubbing the event that drew an impressive array of dignitaries, including ministers and senators, former and serving and governors “Night of Unanswered Questions”, the Deputy Speaker emphasised Onu’s tireless efforts to unify and progress Nigeria, showcasing his dedication as a true nationalist.
He also underscored the significant impact of Onu’s legacy, reflecting on his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development.
According to Kalu, “I would have preferred that he was sitting down here, hearing the descriptions of who he is and what he represents. They sound beautiful but they are not borrowed. They are real. We experienced it.
READ ALSO: Ogbonnaya Onu to be buried Nov 8
“I saw a man who was willing to give from his scarce resources. I was running for an office, without any direct contact with him, from his little income, he sent us money and said we are supporting you as the new generation of leaders. He wasn’t the richest but he had a heart filled with patriotism that he wanted to pass the baton to the new generation of leaders, not only in words but in action. That’s the man we are discussing today.
“At a time when leaders are afraid of the new ones coming up, this man was confident in his kin and said I am supporting you to take over the baton. That’s the man we are talking about. He would want to see a replica of what he believed in in us.
“I was inspired into leadership when I saw how he led Abia State. As a young man, I was inspired. When I was running for Deputy Speaker, he invited me to speak with him and he said I am going to talk to those who are contesting against you that you are the right person to go. Did he do that? Yes, he did. That’s the kind of leaders we are talking about. The spirit of a man that’s full of peace. Just look at how calm this atmosphere is. It’s a reflection of his spirit. He resolves disputes without making noise. He was calmer about his approach to solving problems.
“Men like Dr. Onu that inspire us should remain forever in our hearts. They did not inspire us by the wealth of their pocket. They inspired us by the wealth of their character. They did not inspire us because they held authority, they inspired us because they were humble in authority.
“Thirty-Three years ago, he was governor of my state, there is no description that we mention today that was not intact then. Consistency was his watch word. He left behind the spirit of integrity.”
Minister of works and former governor of Ebonyi, David Umahi, said that Onu was a great trailblazer and a leadership light in his community, Uburu, and Ebonyi State.
“He was not just a mentor to me,” he said, “he was a kinsman whose positive marks inspired great leadership motivations to his people. He was charming in character and charismatic in leadership. While alive, he marked a threshold in intellects, integrity, industry, and passion for excellence in all his endeavours.”
While Clement Ebri, former governor of Cross River State, stated that Onu because of his distinctive qualities was the chairman of the country’s governors forum at the time.
Lamenting over his death, Ebri noted that he is the 16th out of the 30 governors then to have died.
