By Peter Adelowo
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has described the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a model of patriotic leadership whose commitment to service and accountability left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Speaking at an evening of tributes organised by the party’s National Working Committee in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, said the late lawmaker exemplified rare courage and responsibility in public office.
According to Professor Gombe, Senator Akwashiki’s leadership style was anchored on integrity, compassion and deep commitment to the welfare of his constituents, earning him respect across political, ethnic and religious divides.
He disclosed that shortly before his passing, the senator had expressed concerns over his declining health and had even contemplated stepping aside to allow for effective representation of his people — a move he described as a rare demonstration of patriotism in Nigerian politics.
The SDP National Chairman noted that Senator Akwashiki’s political journey was marked by sacrifice and service, from his time in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly where he rose to Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker, to his election into the Senate in 2019 and re-election in 2023.
Party leaders, traditional rulers and political stakeholders at the event reflected on the late senator’s dedication to dialogue, grassroots development and peace-building across Nasarawa North Senatorial District.
They described him as one of the most effective lawmakers Nasarawa State has produced since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
The late senator died at the age of 52 at an Indian hospital.
Prayers were offered for the repose of his soul and for the continued peace and progress of Nasarawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
