From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has described the late Onyia as a distinguished leader, consummate public servant and patriot.
Mbah, who expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former federal lawmaker, said his demise was a monumental loss to the nation.
The governor noted that the late Onyia committed his entire working life to his people and the nation in various capacities.
In a statement yesterday, the governor observed that Chief Onyia lived a life of total service to Ngwo community, Enugu State, and Nigeria as a whole, saying his vast experience, knowledge, national and international reach would be missed.
He said: “Ndi Enugu received with a deep sense of grief and loss, the passing of statesman and former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Gideon Onyia, aged 73.
“Chief Onyia was a distinguished leader, fine diplomat, patriot, consummate public servant and quintessential intellectual, who shone more than a million stars in the service of his community, Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.
“A former member of the House of Representatives, he was appointed by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to serve as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1999 and 2003.
“This quintessential leader of men later went on to serve Nigeria in other high-profile capacities, holding the positions of Chairman, Nigeria Economic Joint Commission; Chairman, Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission; and Chairman, International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, among others.
“He contributed immensely to Nigeria’s constitutional and political development as member, 1988/1998 Constituent Assembly in Abuja, Secretary General of the Eastern Mandate Union and National Secretary of the Peoples Consensus Party, as well as founding member and later national officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.
“He was, indeed, a fine gentleman, philanthropist, promoter of peace, justice and equity, and indeed, a colossus in all ramifications, whose selfless service, wealth of experience, deep knowledge and local and international reach will be highly missed.”
The Governor further said: “His demise is, therefore, a monumental loss to not just Enugu State, but Nigeria as a whole.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Ngwo, and indeed, millions of Nigerians, whose lives were directly and indirectly touched by the distinguished service of this great patriot.
“Importantly, I pray to God to grant his fine soul eternal repose.”