Former Governor of Nasarawa State and Senator representing Nasarawa South, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, on Monday described the death of former Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a profound and immeasurable loss to Nasarawa State and Nigeria.
Al-Makura spoke in Abuja during a condolence visit to the residence of the late senator’s family, where he paid glowing tribute to Akwashiki’s political journey, loyalty and commitment to public service.
“Today is one of my saddest days,” Al-Makura said. “With the demise of Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki, the loss is not only to Nasarawa State or his senatorial constituency, but to Nigeria as a whole. To say the loss is profound is even an understatement.”
He noted that although the late senator had been bedridden for over two years and could not actively participate in Senate proceedings, his legacy of service and dedication remained enduring.
“Our consolation is that Senator Godiya was a faithful politician, a committed partner and a very loyal leader—loyal to his seniors and to his followers,” he said.
Tracing Akwashiki’s political rise, Al-Makura recalled that the late senator emerged as Majority Leader of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly in 2011 at his first attempt.
“At that time, I was governor. His performance was such that you would think he had spent many years in the Assembly,” he said, adding that Akwashiki played a critical role in the success of his administration.
According to him, Akwashiki later returned to the Assembly during his second term as governor and served as Deputy Speaker, where he again distinguished himself.
“He discharged his responsibilities to the admiration of his constituents, the government and all stakeholders. It became clear that he had the capacity for higher responsibilities, which was why I supported his bid for the Senate,” Al-Makura said.
He added that they both served in the Ninth Senate from 2019, where Akwashiki proved himself through his contributions at plenary sessions, executive meetings and oversight functions.
“He was a worthy representative of his people. His loyalty stood out. Such loyalty is rare in politics,” he noted.
Al-Makura further said Akwashiki’s constituency projects cut across all wards in Nasarawa, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, stressing that his impact transcended party lines.
“Whether APC, SDP or otherwise, his people will miss him. He touched every ward, and his support base remained strong even during his health challenges,” he said.
Describing the late senator as a close friend and political ally, Al-Makura said his replacement would not come easily.
“I have lost a friend, a political soul and an associate whose replacement will not be easy to find,” he said, praying for God’s comfort for the family and supporters left behind.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nasarawa State chapter, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, described Akwashiki’s death as a devastating loss to Nasarawa North Senatorial District and the nation.
“The leaders have said it all. Senator Godiya Akwashiki was very committed to his people and very dear to our hearts,” Andaha said. “Since the return to democracy in 1999, we have not had such excellent representation as the one provided by this distinguished senator.”
While acknowledging the pain of the loss, Andaha said faith offered some consolation.
“As believers, we know that one day we shall return to our Creator. But that does not reduce the pain of losing a leader who performed exceptionally well,” he said.
Andaha, who is also the Executive Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area, extended condolences to the late senator’s family, the people of Nasarawa North Senatorial District, the Nasarawa State Government, the National Assembly and Nigerians at large.
“We have lost a great leader, a friend and a strong political ally—someone who truly gave his best in representing his people,” he said, urging residents to uphold the values of service and dedication exemplified by the late senator.
Meanwhile, a senatorial aspirant in Nasarawa North, Duba Dodo, also described Akwashiki’s death as an unfortunate loss to both Nasarawa State and the nation, noting that his contributions to lawmaking and constituency development would be deeply missed.
