By Aaron Ossai
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has described former Abia State Governor and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu as a man of integrity with exceptional patriotic spirit.
This was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
Speaking Monday night in Abuja at Onu’s Service of Songs to bid him a heartfelt farewell, Kalu gave 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 former President Goodluck Jonathan, ministers and senators, former and serving “Night of Questions”, the Deputy Speaker emphasized 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.
Condoling with his immediate family in their grief, the Deputy Speaker prayed for the repose of Onu’s soul.
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.
“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.
“How many have you done? 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. What would Governor Ogbonnaya Onu have you and I do? It’s a night of questions. 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 and I was there. There is no description that we mention today that was not intact then. Consistency. Leaders, how consist are we? In this room are multiple leaders. Permit me to raise this question. While we celebrate this man that we love so much, what did he leave behind? The spirit of integrity. How many of us have embraced it? Who is willing to embrace it? The son stood here and said, the desire of my father is to have people like him who will love Nigeria and show integrity, and that’s the question we must answer ourselves if we love him.
“May the Lord grant you the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Be consoled in the fact that he inspired people like me and many others to work diligently in the path that he believed is the best for this country. May his soul rest in perfect peace”, the statement read.