The late Ogbonnaya Onu, former governor of Abia State, has passed away, as reported by BBC Igbo. He succumbed to illness at a hospital in Abuja earlier today at the age of 72.
Onu, a renowned American-trained scientist, educator, and statesman, began his political career during Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in the early 1990s under President Ibrahim Babangida. He served as governor from 1992 until the overthrow of Ernest Shonekan’s administration by Sani Abacha in 1994.
Despite the political turbulence, Onu remained dedicated to public service, making several bids for the presidency and ultimately resigning from his role as minister of science and technology in the Buhari administration in 2022 to contest the presidential primaries.
His legacy spans academia, politics, and national leadership, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
