May God grant Late Dunu Chu Okongwu eternal rest and comfort his family and all of us. – Peter Obi
Following my engagements in London yesterday, I arrived in Abuja today to pay my respects to the memory of a man I regard as one of Nigeria’s best minds, the Late Dunu Chu Okongwu, who served our beloved country as Minister of National Planning, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources under the then-Head of State, Gen Ibrahim Babangida.
Chu Okongwu’s contribution to the nation demonstrated his dedication and commitment to the nation’s progress. He was a man of integrity who not only faithfully served his country but also worked relentlessly for its development. He led an example life of modesty and displayed the level of self-control that is clearly absent in today’s political leadership.
Despite his excellent status, he only owned two residences in the country: one in Enugu and one in his hometown. Okongwu was one of the rare Nigerians in public service who refused the temptations of self-promotion and robbing the public budget.
As the then-Minister of Finance, he was one of those who advised Gen. Babangida on new bank licensing. However, he did not issue himself a license, nor did he use his position to persuade those who received banking licenses to give him a portion of the ownership.
Even as Petroleum Minister, he did not grant himself an oil block or an oil import license, as is customary now. If he had exploited his position of service to profit himself rather than serve the nation, he would have been feted, and his burial would have been glamorized by dignitaries, because we live in a country that still honors criminals.
He dedicated his knowledge, abilities, and enthusiasm to the service of the country, and I have come to tell him farewell. I hope that we, as leaders, may draw from his wonderful legacies.
