Fayemi, has hailed the departed former Abia State governor and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, saying his footprints on the annals of democracy in Nigeria will forever remain indelible.
In a statement issued by the head of his media office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, on Friday, Fayemi, who expressed rude shock at Onu’s death, described the former minister as a man of great integrity, who played a pivotal role in the struggle to establish democracy in Nigeria.
While noting that Onu’s death remains a great loss for the country, Fayemi said the departed Abia State politician exemplified uncommon dedication to the preservation of Nigeria’s nascent democracy by stepping down as the presidential candidate of the All People’s Party (APP) in favour of Chief Olu Falae, the presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
“In the lead-up to the historic 1999 presidential elections, Dr. Onu took the courageous step of stepping down as the presidential candidate of the All People’s Party (APP) in favour of Chief Olu Falae, the presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). This selfless act exemplified his dedication to the greater good of the country and his willingness to prioritise national interests over personal ambition.
“Throughout his illustrious career in public service, Dr. Onu was a steadfast advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability. He served meritoriously in various capacities, including as Governor of Abia State and as Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, where he championed initiatives aimed at harnessing science and technology for national development.
“Dr Onu was also pivotal as one of the founding fathers of the All Progressives Congress, the product of the historic merger of leading opposition parties in 2012, and also played a key role in the party’s victory in the 2015 election.
“As his colleague in the Buhari cabinet, I can attest to the fact that he was exemplary in many ways. His prodigious intellect, immense capacity, stellar character, and compassionate love for the Nigerian people were evident all through his time as Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation.
“His visionary leadership and dedication to serving our country will be greatly missed. His legacy will continue to inspire us to uphold the values of democracy, justice, and good governance.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, associates, and the Governments and people of Abia and Ebonyi States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I pray that the Almighty God will give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May he rest well in the bosom of the Lord,” the former Ekiti State governor stated.
Also, the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said the former minister was a progressive politician and an upright statesman with a passion for Nigeria.
Speaking on Friday, the governor said the APC family has been hit by a monumental loss, adding that the late minister’s valuable contributions to democracy and the flowering of national ethos would remain exemplary.
