The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., has described the late Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi as a central figure in the democratic development and political stability of Delta State.
Sir Onyeme made the remarks on Thursday in Asaba while receiving a delegation of serving and former Senators who paid a condolence visit to the Governor, government, and people of Delta State following the passing of the former lawmaker.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the state government, the Deputy Governor expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and the show of love and solidarity at a difficult time. He reflected on the personal and professional relationship shared with the late Senator, describing him as a dependable ally, party loyalist, and fearless politician.
“The late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi was a brother, a friend, and a committed party man to us,” Onyeme said. “He was a politician that everyone loved. He was fearless, and those of us from Delta North, in particular, held him in very high esteem.”
The Deputy Governor noted that Senator Nwaoboshi played a crucial role in entrenching political stability in Delta State, especially during periods when the state’s unwritten power-sharing arrangement among the three senatorial districts appeared threatened.
“Delta State operates an unwritten power-sharing formula among the three senatorial districts. At a point, it seemed that this arrangement might not work, but Senator Nwaoboshi, while serving as State Party Chairman, was one of the key figures who ensured that it endured,” he said.
According to Onyeme, the sustained peace and political stability currently enjoyed in Delta State can be traced to the efforts of Senator Nwaoboshi and other leaders of his generation.
“To God be the glory, through his efforts and the contributions of others, Delta State today enjoys a very peaceful and stable political environment. Without that intervention, one would wonder where we would be today as a state,” he added.
The Deputy Governor also expressed delight that Senator Nwaoboshi’s former colleagues in the National Assembly spoke highly of him, describing such testimonials as proof that he represented Delta State with honour and distinction in the Red Chamber.
“It gladdens our hearts to hear good things about him from people outside our state. It shows clearly that he represented us very well in the Senate,” Onyeme said, while offering prayers for God’s comfort for the family and wishing that such losses would not be experienced again.
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Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, who represented Edo South Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023, said the delegation visited Delta State with heavy hearts to mourn the passing of a close friend, colleague, and brother.
“We came on a sad note to condole with Delta State over the loss of our very good friend and colleague in the 8th and 9th Senate, Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi,” Urhoghide said, describing the Senator’s death as a huge shock.
He traced Senator Nwaoboshi’s political journey from party secretary to state party chairman and eventually to the Senate in 2015, where he served two consecutive terms of eight years.
“He was a political figure we admired greatly and someone who was very close to us. His death is a huge loss, not only to Delta State but to Nigeria as a whole,” he stated.
According to Urhoghide, Senator Nwaoboshi was a strong voice for Delta State in the Senate, known for his courage, strong character, and reverence among his colleagues.
“The Senate as an institution is deeply saddened by his transition. He was a formidable force from Delta State and a man who commanded respect,” he added.
Those present during the condolence visit included Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwado, Senator Ighoyota Amori, and Sir Christopher Osakwe, among others.
