HomePoliticsSDP, Leaders Receive Akwashiki’s Remains, Lament Loss of ‘One of Our Strongest...
SDP, Leaders Receive Akwashiki’s Remains, Lament Loss of ‘One of Our Strongest Soldiers’
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The Social Democratic Party (SDP), prominent political leaders and people of Nasarawa State on Monday received the remains of late Senator Godiya Akwashiki amid tears and glowing tributes, describing his death as a monumental loss to the state and Nigeria.
The solemn reception, held in Abuja, drew top party chieftains, former governors, lawmakers and supporters, including former SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi; and Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danadi Jato.
Leading tributes, Prince Adebayo described the late senator as one of the strongest pillars of the SDP and a lawmaker whose integrity and dedication cut across party lines.
“We’ve lost one of our strongest soldiers,” Adebayo said. “We feel devastated, especially for the family. The pain of this loss is not just for the family, but for the Agon Nation, the senatorial district, the entire state and Nigeria.”
He described Akwashiki as a perfect gentleman whose good name would outlive him.
“Our only consolation is that he left behind a good name. He was a great man, a great Christian, a great family man and a senator who enjoyed the full confidence of his people. If he had lived another 30 years, many would still have considered that seat as his,” he said.
Adebayo admitted that the death had negatively impacted the party and the quality of legislative politics in the state.
“For us in the SDP, losing one of our strongest is a very heavy blow. That is why all of us came here, from wherever we were, to receive him and to let the family know that we stand with them,” he added.
Also speaking, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi described Akwashiki’s death as heartbreaking, noting that the late senator left an indelible mark in public service.
“He was a seasoned legislator, a wonderful father and a fantastic husband. This is a great loss to Nasarawa State,” Gaza said, praying that the tragedy would strengthen unity within the party and the state.
He particularly sympathised with the Egon Nation, describing the loss as deeply painful. “We pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this loss,” he said.
The Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, said the party was deeply saddened by the demise of the lawmaker, describing it as a national loss.
“This is a great loss not only to his constituency and Nasarawa State, but to the SDP family nationwide and Nigeria at this critical time of our democracy,” Gombe said, while urging Nigerians to accept the will of God.
He noted that the large turnout at the reception reflected the late senator’s wide acceptance beyond party boundaries.
“It is not about party alone; it is about the entire political family. People from different political divides are here to honour him,” he added.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danadi Jato, described Akwashiki’s death as a huge blow to the state and the nation.
“We are in pain. Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki was a performing senator who served with excellence. His death is a great loss, especially to the Egon people and to Nigeria,” Jato said.
Recalling their time together in the state assembly, Jato noted that Akwashiki served as Deputy Speaker from 2011 to 2015 and later made history as the first lawmaker to return twice as senator from Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone.
Prayers and words of consolation marked the end of the ceremony as leaders, party members and supporters paid their last respects to the late senator.
