Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Senator representing Delta North, Senator Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi, describing him as a courageous leader, loyal friend and committed statesman.
In a tribute released on Saturday, Ochei said the late senator was a proud son of Ibusa whose life of public service left an enduring impact on Delta North, Delta State and Nigeria at large.
According to Ochei, his political relationship with Nwaoboshi spanned many years and was marked by mutual respect, even when they held differing political positions.
“Although we sometimes stood on different sides, our friendship, mutual respect and commitment to the progress of our people remained constant,” he said.
Ochei recounted that the last time he saw the late senator was on 29 November 2025 during the funeral service of the father of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba.
He said they exchanged warm greetings, but when he did not see Nwaoboshi at the reception, he followed up with a phone call the next day.
During the conversation, Nwaoboshi reportedly explained that he was unwell, a disclosure Ochei said he sympathised with, unaware it would be their final discussion.
Ochei also revealed that during the call, he encouraged the senator to convene a meeting of Delta North political leaders before the end of the year.
Nwaoboshi, he said, declined due to health reasons and requested that Ochei convene the meeting on his behalf, referring to him as his “second in command.” They eventually agreed that January 2026 would be a more suitable time to meet.
Reflecting on his character, Ochei described the late senator as a man of courage, conviction and loyalty, whose commitment to the welfare of his people extended beyond politics.
“Peter was warm, thoughtful and genuinely committed to the welfare of his people. His passing is a painful loss to Delta North and to all who knew him,” he stated.
Ochei extended his condolences to the Nwaoboshi family, the people of Delta North and all those affected by the senator’s death, praying for his peaceful repose and lasting legacy.
Senator Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi served as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and remained an influential political figure in Delta North until his death.
