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In a heartfelt and emotional display of grief, former Governor of Delta State and current Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has mourned the passing of Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, hailing him as a fearless politician, a dependable leader, and an unwavering voice for the Anioma nation. The tribute, delivered personally at the Asaba residence of the late senator, underscores the profound impact Nwaoboshi had on Delta State's political landscape and the deep void his death has created in the region.
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who represented Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2015 to 2023, passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 67 or 68 (reports vary slightly on his exact age). His demise, which came suddenly and has been described in some accounts as following a prolonged illness or a slump, has elicited widespread tributes from across Nigeria's political spectrum. Okowa's words capture the essence of a man who dedicated his life to public service, party loyalty, and the advancement of his people.
Speaking amid palpable emotion, Okowa lamented that both Delta State and the Anioma nation—comprising the Igbo-speaking communities in Delta North—have lost one of their most committed and outspoken champions. "The late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi was a fearless politician, a dependable leader, and a strong voice for the Anioma people," Okowa stated. He emphasized Nwaoboshi's astuteness in politics and his pivotal contributions to the growth of Delta State, particularly during the early days of democracy in Nigeria.
Okowa took time to recount Nwaoboshi's illustrious political journey, which began in the formative years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State. As a founding Secretary of the PDP in the state, Nwaoboshi played an instrumental role in mobilizing supporters and strategizing for the party's resounding victory in the landmark 1999 general elections. This era marked the return to civilian rule in Nigeria after years of military dictatorship, and Nwaoboshi's efforts were crucial in establishing the PDP as a dominant force in Delta politics.
His dedication and leadership prowess propelled him further within the party ranks. He rose to become the State Chairman of the PDP not once but twice, a testament to his organizational skills, loyalty, and ability to navigate the complex terrain of Nigerian politics. These roles allowed him to shape the party's direction, foster unity among members, and ensure electoral successes that benefited the state.
In 2015, Nwaoboshi's career reached its pinnacle when he was elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing Delta North. During his eight-year tenure, he served with distinction, notably as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs. In this capacity, he advocated tirelessly for the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region, pushing for infrastructure, environmental remediation, and equitable resource allocation. His voice was often heard defending the interests of Delta State and the broader Anioma community, earning him respect even from political opponents.
Okowa particularly highlighted Nwaoboshi's fearlessness: "He was fearless in his approach to politics and a tireless fighter for the good of his people." Throughout his career, the late senator remained steadfast, championing justice, equity, and development. Even in the face of challenges—including a high-profile legal battle with anti-corruption agencies that saw him briefly convicted before being cleared on appeal—Nwaoboshi maintained his composure and commitment to his constituents.
The former governor, who now serves as the Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative in the South-South geopolitical zone, described Nwaoboshi's death as an irreplaceable loss. "Anioma and Delta have lost a dependable voice that consistently stood for justice, equity, and development," he said. Okowa prayed for the repose of Nwaoboshi's soul, affirming that the late politician had fulfilled his earthly mission to the glory of God.
Chief Peter Nwaoboshi was widely regarded as a seasoned politician with immense courage and unwavering loyalty to party politics. His advocacy for the Anioma people was particularly notable, as he often spoke out on issues affecting their cultural identity, political representation, and socioeconomic progress within Delta State. Despite later switching to the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid internal PDP disputes, his influence transcended party lines, making him a power broker in Anioma affairs.
The outpouring of grief extends beyond Okowa's tribute. Current Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, and leaders from both PDP and APC have issued condolences, describing Nwaoboshi as a courageous defender of Anioma interests and a devoted public servant. His legacy in strengthening democracy, promoting regional development, and mentoring younger politicians will endure.
In a separate but related act of compassion, Senator Okowa also extended his sympathies to another grieving family in Asaba. He visited Chief Roseline Amioku, the Chairman of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, who tragically lost her son on Thursday. Offering words of comfort, Okowa prayed for divine strength to help the family bear the irreparable loss. He urged them to find solace in the belief that the departed soul has found eternal rest in the Lord.
The passing of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi marks the end of an era for Delta North politics. His life story—from grassroots mobilization in the PDP's early days to high-level legislative advocacy—serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders. As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Anioma has indeed lost a fearless and dependable voice, but his contributions to Delta State's progress and Nigeria's democratic journey will be remembered for generations to come.
