Some political leaders in Nasarawa State have joined in mourning the death of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki.
Former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has paid glowing tribute to the late Senator Akwashiki, describing his death as a major setback to political leadership and public service in the state and Nigeria at large.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Akwashiki’s family, Al-Makura said the loss ranked among the most painful moments of his public life, noting that the former senator was not only a trusted political ally but also a lawmaker whose commitment to governance left a lasting mark.
He recalled that even during the over two years Akwashiki was confined by illness and unable to attend Senate sittings, his loyalty to leadership and dedication to the ideals of service never waned.
According to Al-Makura, the late senator was known for his discipline, respect for authority, and deep connection with his constituents, qualities that defined his political journey.
Tracing his rise in politics, Al-Makura said Akwashiki distinguished himself as Majority Leader of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly in 2011, before later serving as Deputy Speaker, where he helped strengthen legislative stability in the state.
He explained that Akwashiki’s impressive performance at the state legislature informed his support for his emergence as Senator representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District, a position he held from 2019 in the Ninth Senate.
Al-Makura added that during their time together in the Senate, Akwashiki was active in debates, oversight duties, and constituency engagement, with development projects spread across Nasarawa, Akwanga, and Wamba local government areas, benefiting communities regardless of political affiliation.
Reacting to the loss, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nasarawa State chapter, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, described Akwashiki’s death as a severe blow to grassroots leadership, saying his style of representation stood out since the return to democracy in 1999.
While acknowledging that faith offered some comfort, Andaha said the vacuum left by the late senator would be difficult to fill.
Similarly, a senatorial aspirant in Nasarawa North, Duba Dodo, described the death as tragic, calling on political leaders to emulate Akwashiki’s values of loyalty, service, and people-centred leadership.
