By Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam
The mourning crescendo cannot cascade easily. The people’s man has gone. The mourning cannot abate. The tears cannot dry.
Dr Ogbonnaya Onu was the people’s man. A detribalised Nigerian who believed and worked for the unity of this great country.
He gave in his ambition to be president because of his love for the country and for years stayed in opposition to make things straight. and pivotal to the merger that brought today’s ruling APC to power.
Few Nigerians can be compared to him. A man of impeccable class, poise and candour. In his ever-present resplendent white attire and red cap, “Ugo Eji Eje Mba’ (The Eagle that is an element of pride) as he was fondly called; epitomised all that the unity of Nigeria stood for. He was truly the pride of the Igbo nation and Nigeria at large.
Onu at every point was ready to make sacrifices. He was selfless, contented and prudent.
As the first civilian governor of Abia state, he appointed my brother an Nnewi man, Dr. George Mmuoghalu as one his aides. Today, Dr. Mmuoghalu has risen as one of the political leaders of the country and the list of men who came to leadership through him abounds. Indeed he was the leader of leaders.
The Igbo nation has lost a rare gem. Nigeria has lost a classic and unassuming leader. Personally, I have lost a dear brother, friend and leader.
I pray God to grant his soul a peaceful repose as we anticipate to meet in the resurrection morning. Adieu Dike Eji Eme Udo 1 of Eastern Nigeria.
