Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has mourned the passing of the former Minster of Foregn Afairs, Chief Dubem Onyia.
He took to his X handle to express his deepest sympathy, saying “with a heart weighed down by sorrow and disbelief, I received the grievous news of the passing of Chief Dubem Onyia.
“How does one truly mourn the departure of a bosom friend, a trusted political ally, and a man whose footprints in grassroots politics remain indelible?
“Together, we navigated the treacherous tides of political struggle, forging a bond strengthened by shared trials and triumphs.
“Dubem was not merely a colleague; he was my contemporary in the Peoples Democratic Movement, the crucible from which the Peoples Democratic Party was born.
“Our political journeys ran parallel —while fate called me to serve as the governor of Adamawa and later as vice president, he ascended to the House of Representatives before being entrusted with the esteemed role of minister of state for foreign affairs in 1999.
“Side by side, we deliberated in the Federal Executive Council under the leadership of our revered President Olusegun Obasanjo, bound by a shared vision for our beloved nation.
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“His loss cuts deep, for we held common aspirations for Nigeria— dreams that remain unfulfilled. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering dedication to the ideals we cherished will forever be missed.
“In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May they find solace in the cherished memories he leaves behind.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Enugu Ngwo community and to the government and people of Enugu State. The departure of this illustrious son of Enugu and the Igbo land is a profound loss.
“May the Almighty grant Chief Dubem Onyia eternal rest.”
Chief Dubem died at the age of 73
