By Peter Adelowo
The Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the death of Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a devastating loss to Nasarawa State, the SDP, and Nigeria as a whole.
Prince Adebayo who made this known during the reception of the remains of the late lawmaker at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, said the sight of the Senator’s widow and the sombre mood of the Eggon Nation, Nasarawa Central District, and the entire state reflected the depth of pain caused by his passing.
He described the late Senator as a perfect gentleman, a devoted Christian, a loving family man, and a lawmaker who enjoyed the full confidence of his constituents.
According to him, Senator Akwashiki left behind a good name and an enduring legacy of service, noting that his contributions to governance and legislative excellence would be remembered for generations.
Prince Adebayo said the death of Senator Akwashiki was not only a setback to the SDP but also to the quality of legislation and politics in Nigeria, describing him as one of the strongest voices within the party and the National Assembly.
He added that the presence of leaders across party lines, including former governors and senior legislators, was a testament to the late Senator’s far-reaching impact beyond partisan politics.
He stressed that although the loss was heavy, the party had accepted it as the will of God, adding that SDP members across the country had come out to identify with the family and the people of Nasarawa State in their moment of grief.
He prayed for the repose of the late Senator’s soul and asked God to grant the family, the Eggon Nation, Nasarawa State, and Nigerians at large the strength to bear the loss.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau who described the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a great loss to Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large said the late Senator was a serving lawmaker whose contributions to governance and development were outstanding.
He recalled serving with Senator Akwashiki in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015, noting that the late Senator later returned to the House as Deputy Speaker.
The Speaker added that Senator Akwashiki made history as the first person from the Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone to be elected twice to the Senate, describing him as a dedicated and performing legislator.
According to him, the death of the Senator was deeply painful, especially to young people who looked up to him as a mentor and leader.
On his part, the Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, described the death of late Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a painful and irreparable loss to the party, Nasarawa State, and the nation at large.
Dr. Gombe said the party was deeply saddened by the passing of the Senator, whom he described as a committed party man and a strong pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
He noted that the loss was felt not only by the immediate family and the people of Nasarawa State but also by the entire SDP family nationwide, especially at a critical time in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He added that the presence of leaders from different political parties at the event showed that Senator Akwashiki’s contributions cut across party lines, stressing that his death was a national loss rather than a partisan one.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi-Gaza, described the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki as sudden, heartbreaking, and a great loss to Nasarawa State, the Egon Nation, and the country at large.
Gbefwi-Gaza said the late Senator left an indelible mark in the sands of time as a seasoned legislator, a devoted family man, and a respected leader, noting that the presence of past and present leaders, including governors and deputy governors who worked with him, was a clear testimony to the impact of his service.
He added that although the loss was painful, prayers were being offered that the tragedy would strengthen and unite the party and the people of Nasarawa State, particularly the Eggon Nation, which he said had suffered several losses in recent times.
Responding to concerns over the absence of Senate representation at the event, Hon. Gbefwi-Gaza explained that the Senate was on recess and that official notifications were sent late, while many senators were out of the country.
He stressed that moments of grief were about family and unity, noting that the political family, immediate family, and the people of Nasarawa State were adequately represented.
He prayed for the repose of the late Senator’s soul and asked God to grant the family, the Eggon Nation, and Nigerians the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The remains of late Senator Godiya Akwashiki were deposited at the National Hospital.
