Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has openly commended Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, a prominent journalist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for his efforts in attempting to mend the tense relationship between Atiku and former President Olusegun Obasanjo during their time in office.
Speaking at a special thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, in Abuja to celebrate Ugochukwu’s 80th birthday, Atiku described Ugochukwu as a patriotic Nigerian devoted to unity.
The strained relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku, which spanned their years in office from 1999 to 2007, was widely known. Atiku revealed that Ugochukwu had shown neutrality during this difficult period, choosing not to take sides but instead to act as a mediator. This, he noted, displayed Ugochukwu’s dedication to harmony and his commitment to Nigeria’s well-being.
Recalling their time in office, Atiku shared his admiration for Ugochukwu’s character, stating, “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.
