The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has expressed shock over the sudden demise of the first governor of old Abia, Ogbonnaya Onu, who passed away on Thursday morning.

Mr Obasa, in his condolence message in Lagos on Thursday, described his death as a huge loss to the nation.

The late 72-year-old Mr Onu died in an Abuja hospital.

He hailed from Ụbụrụ in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

Mr Onu was the minister of science and technology in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023.

The former minister contested for the presidential flag of the All Progressive Congress (APC) during the 2023 general election but lost to President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Obasa expressed condolences to the government and people of the state of Ebonyi over the loss and prayed for the repose of his soul.

“He was a highly respected politician, author, and engineer. He left behind a lasting legacy.

“The nation owes him a great debt of gratitude for his contributions in both the public and private sectors throughout his life,” he said.

The speaker offered prayers to God to comfort his family, the people of Ebonyi and the country and give them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.

(NAN)