Day Igbo leaders honoured Ogbonnaya Onu in Imo

It was a moment of glory for the All Progressives Congress, APC, leader and former Governor of old Abia State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, as Igbo leaders across the states of the South East gathered in Owerri, the Imo State capital to celebrate his success in politics and private life, especially the recent conferment of Doctorate Degree in Public Administration Honoris Causa on him by the Abia State University, Uturu.

Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, his wife Dr Chinyere Onu and other dignitaries at the family’s thanks giving service

The grand reception, which was preceded by a thanksgiving service at the Asumpta Catholic Cathedral, had in attendance, front line Igbo leaders including the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, National Chairman of the United Progressives Party, UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie, Chief Okey Eze, Benjamin Apugo; Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri Arch Diocese;

HRM Eze (Dr.) Isaac Ikonne; HRM Eze Emmanuel Njemanze; former Chief Whip Eastern House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onyeso Nwachukwu; Alex Otti; Dame Virgy Etiaba; Dr. Osmond Ukanacho; Senator Nkechi Nwogu among others.

Also at the event which attracted the leaders of the various political parties, the political ideals of the APC leader were highlighted and commended. The various speakers took turn to pay glowing tributes to Onu for his leadership qualities. The politicians and captains of industry, who attended the reception also endorsed the credibility of the soft spoken politician, who they described as the emerging leader of the South East, whose record has remained untainted.

In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, commended Onu for his achievements and track record, marked by a principled lifestyle which is not in pursuit of immediate gains but devoted to the service of a higher purpose. The former Chief of General Staff who was represented on the occasion by Chief Chekwas Okorie, decried the penchant of some Igbo leaders to pull down their own public officers.

He described Onu as a man, who Igbo leaders of note could boldly rally round because of his antecedents; inferring that Onu was the emerging face of the new Igbo nation. The host, Dr. Okey Ezeh, congratulated Onu for the award of Honorary Doctorate Degree on him, describing him as a leader worthy of emulation because he had remained consistent in his values and unswerving in his principled approach to life and political leadership.

In his response, Onu expressed appreciation to the Abia State University for convening a Special Convocation to honour him, an action he said, was just the third in the history of the university. Saluting Igbo leaders including, former governors, state House of Assembly speakers and various Igbo groups among others for their continued support, the visibly elated Onu, assured that he would continue with his lifestyle of service and selflessness.

According to him, “any position I find myself tomorrow, I will still discharge my duties in such a way that I will be a source of pride to the people of the South East and Nigeria. I cannot afford to disappoint my people or my country.” He maintained that he remained a strong believer in the Nigerian Project and was convinced that Nigeria has the potentials to be one of the most respected nations of the world.

In his words, “the government that is coming in the next few days is a government you can call your own regardless of where you are located in Nigeria. It will work in your best interest and it is that government that will restore our respect in the comity of nations. And once again, Nigerians would be proud to be from this part of the continent.

The change we had promised have come and I can assure you, it would give birth to legacies and landmarks that would endure the test of time.” Earlier in his sermon, the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, commended Onu for his feats in politics and aspects of public life.

He charged to continue to use his position for the betterment of the common people, adding that positions of authority are for service to humanity.