The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed shock over the death of veteran actor, Justus Esiri, describing it as a national loss.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday described late Esiri as an epitome of virtue who used his talent to teach values and patriotism and urged the younger generation of Nigerians to emulate him.

The Party said Esiri contributed immensely to the development of the nation's movie industry adding that his memory, especially his role asHeadmaster in the Village Headmaster series which aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), will remain fresh in the hearts of Nigerians.

"The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received the news of the death of veteran actor, Justus Esiri with deep sadness. Esiri was an epitome of virtue who used his talent to teach values, patriotism and hard work especially to the younger generation of Nigerians.

"He contributed immensely to the development of the nation's movie industry and his memory will remain fresh in the hearts of Nigerians. The nation will indeed miss his wealth of experience and dedication to duty", the statement said.

The Party commiserated with the Esiri family, the Government and people of Delta State as well as the Nollywood family and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.