Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has lauded Chief Onyema Ugochukwu as a passionate and patriotic Nigerian who played a significant role in efforts to reconcile him with former President Olusegun Obasanjo during their time in office.
Atiku made this statement today in Abuja during a thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 3, held in celebration of Ugochukwu’s 80th birthday.
Ugochukwu, a seasoned journalist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was recognized for his contributions to national unity.
Speaking, Atiku said, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I will not claim that I know Ogochukwu long enough because we only met during our administration around 1998-99.
“And till now, we have been in contact with each other.
“But I want to say that during our administration, even when the President and I were having problems, Ogochukwu never took sides.
“Rather, he tried to be a conciliator and I want to say that all along I found him to be an extremely dedicated, passionate Nigerian.
“Let me also testify that in all those years that we worked together, I never heard of any unwarranted action by Onyema Ogochukwu.
“He was still a credible and perfect gentleman.
“Mrs. Ogochukwu, I think you are very lucky to have him.
“Honestly, I want to say that this is one of the very rare events I have put on a public face to identify myself, but I feel extremely delighted to have been part of this event.
“I also look forward to getting to your age.
“So, once again congratulations Onyema Ogochukwu and family and the entire people of Abia State and Nigeria in general,” Atiku enthused.