A number of Professors from Nigeria have lauded the sponsor of Nigeria's Climate Change Act, Rep. Sam Onuigbo, referring to him as a worthy achiever, forward-looking visionary, and a quintessential climate change leader.

This was contained in a congratulatory message published by the Professors in The Guardian Newspaper on Friday December 22, 2023 in recognition of the former national lawmaker's emergence as one of 30 Global Leaders on Climate Change by New York-based Business Insider.

Acknowledging Onuigbo's unparalleled contributions to global climate action which included the sponsorship of Nigeria's Climate Change Act; championing the implementation of the GLOBE GEF6 project "GLOBE Legislators Advancing REDD+ and Natural Capital Governance Towards the Delivery of the 2030 Agenda" in Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria; expanding conversations among African and global legislators on the importance of national and subnational climate change legislations; etc., the Dons stated that Onuigbo's recent efforts at ensuring that climate change considerations and resilience building are incorporated into the development plans of the North East point to his extraordinary commitment and persistence in ramping up climate action.

Accordingly, they affirmed that:

"Going by these sterling efforts, we make bold to recall that during plenary on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, you were acknowledged by the House of Representatives and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas PhD, as a worthy Ambassador of the Hallowed Chambers in recognition of your emergence as one of the 30 Global Leaders on Climate Change in 2023. We are not only happy to be associated with your forward-looking efforts and drive, but also note that this recognition is indeed a call to more service."

Rep. Onuigbo who thanked the Professors for their kind words, affirmed his commitment to continue to focus on impacful leadership targeted at building a sustainable and resilient future for all people.

The congratulatory message was signed by: Professor Munzali Jibril FNIM; Professor Ikenna Onyido; Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba: Professor Muktar Abdulkadir; Professor Olukayode Oladipo; Professor Paul Ananaba SAN; Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe; Professor Chukwumerije Okereke: Professor Chiedozie Egesi; Professor Marc N. Ogbuagu; Professor Eli Jidere Bala; PRofessor Azubuike Onyebuchi; Professor Sam Erugo SAN; and Professor Ubom Bassey.

Climate change is not our immediate need now. The lawmakers should amend the electoral acts to fix the issues we encountered in 2023 elections.

More importantly, INEC officials should be made to sign a treaty that if they are caught thwarting the wishes of the people, they could spend 20 years behind the bars.