Reps Deputy Speaker, Ohajuruka, Others Extol Sterling Qualities of Abia APC Chairman

They spoke at a family thanksgiving service held in honour of Ononogbu at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Nkpa, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, where friends, party faithful and well-wishers gathered to thank God with his family.

Speaking at the service, Ononogbu expressed gratitude to God for life and the many blessings bestowed on his family, including the return of his children to Nigeria after a long stay abroad and the traditional marriage of his daughter to a Ghanaian-American medical doctor.

Reflecting on his life journey, the Abia APC chairman said he has lived true to the meaning of his name, Chukwunweike (God is strength), noting that he never struggled unduly to attain success. He recounted his rise to the position of bank manager before resigning to pursue a new path when he became uncomfortable with developments in the banking sector.

According to him, his decision to venture into politics was driven by a deliberate desire to make a difference in society, not to amass wealth, stressing that his children had already graduated from Harvard University and his personal aspirations had largely been fulfilled.

“I joined politics to contribute my ideas, experience and resources towards building a better society”, he said, adding that his commitment and positioning eventually led to his appointment in March 2025 as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Parks  Services(NPS).

Ononogbu highlighted what he described as unprecedented successes recorded by the APC in Abia under his leadership, noting that during his tenure, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu emerged as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu returned to the Senate, while Dr. Eruba was appointed as Abia State’s representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Commenting on national issues, he expressed optimism that the 2026 budget, if properly implemented, would have positive impacts across key sectors of the economy. While acknowledging that insecurity remains a concern, he noted that the situation has improved, adding that the prices of food items and petroleum products are gradually declining.

 

He urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms and avoid actions that could sabotage the process.

In his New Year message, Ononogbu called for greater commitment, unity of purpose and togetherness, stressing that progress is impossible without unity.

In an interview, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described Ononogbu as a diligent, accountable and transparent leader whose tenure has been marked by professionalism and stability.

According to him, Ononogbu is a man who tells it the way it is. “His accounts are clean, he is humble, people-oriented and steadfast in ensuring the stability of the party. That is why all stakeholders are rallying around him as we move into the electioneering year”, Kalu said.

The Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, said party members joined the Ononogbu family to celebrate because it is a season of love.

 He urged the APC chairman to continue to carry everyone along, irrespective of political differences, and to sustain unity within the party in support of the President’s efforts to deliver dividends of democracy.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Dr. Onyebuchi, commended Ononogbu’s leadership style.

Similarly, a close friend to the celebrant, Dr. Chinedum Achinivu described the APC chairman, as upright, hardworking, pragmatic and transparent, urging the younger generation to emulate his qualities.

 

Meanwhile, in his homily, Rev James Okocha, emphasized on the importance of showing gratitude to God, urging Christians to imbibe it as a continuous activity.

Other dignitaries at the event included High Chief Ikechi Emelike, top APC stalwarts, party members, friends and well-wishers from across the state and beyond.