The death of former Senator Godiya Akwashiki has created a palpable void in Nasarawa State’s political landscape, with leaders across institutions describing his passing as the loss of a rare bridge-builder whose influence transcended party boundaries and levels of government.
Former Governor of Nasarawa State and ex-Senator for Nasarawa South, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, spoke in Abuja during a condolence visit to the family of the late lawmaker, saying Akwashiki’s impact on governance and political stability would be difficult to replace.
“This is not just the loss of a senator; it is the loss of a political stabiliser,” Al-Makura said. “Nasarawa and Nigeria have lost a man whose loyalty, discipline and commitment to service were truly exceptional.”
Al-Makura noted that although Akwashiki had battled illness for more than two years, his legacy of public service remained firmly etched in the state’s political history.
“Our consolation is that he served faithfully. He was loyal to leadership, loyal to institutions and, above all, loyal to his people,” he added.
Tracing Akwashiki’s political rise, Al-Makura recalled that the late lawmaker began his legislative journey in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he emerged Majority Leader in 2011 on his first attempt.
“His performance was so outstanding that one would assume he had spent a lifetime in the Assembly,” he said, describing Akwashiki as a central pillar of governance during his administration.
Akwashiki later returned to the House as Deputy Speaker, a role in which, according to Al-Makura, he displayed maturity, balance and deep legislative insight — qualities that eventually propelled him to the Senate.
Both men served together in the Ninth Senate from 2019, where Akwashiki was said to have made notable contributions during plenary sessions, oversight functions and closed-door executive engagements.
“He never carried himself with arrogance. Even as a senator, he deferred respectfully to leadership. That level of humility and loyalty is increasingly rare in our politics,” Al-Makura said.
Beyond the National Assembly, Akwashiki’s constituency projects cut across Nasarawa, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, reinforcing his reputation as a lawmaker whose loyalty was to the people rather than political platforms.
“He touched every ward. Whether APC, SDP or otherwise, the people claimed him as their own,” Al-Makura added.
Describing the late senator as a trusted ally and personal friend, the former governor said the political space would struggle to fill the vacuum created by his passing.
“I have lost a friend and a dependable partner in service. His kind is not easily replaced,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nasarawa State chapter, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, said Akwashiki’s death marked the end of an era of effective representation in Nasarawa North Senatorial District.
“Since 1999, very few have represented their people with this level of dedication,” Andaha said. “He carried the burden of leadership with sincerity and consistency.”
Andaha, who is also the Executive Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area, said while faith offered comfort, the pain of losing a committed and people-centred leader remained profound.
“We accept the will of God, but that does not erase the sense of loss. He was exceptional in his service to the people,” he said.
He extended condolences to Akwashiki’s family, the Nasarawa State Government, the National Assembly and the people of Nasarawa North, urging current and future leaders to emulate the late senator’s inclusive and people-driven approach to governance.
Meanwhile, a senatorial aspirant in Nasarawa North, Duba Dodo, described Akwashiki’s passing as a setback not only for Nasarawa State but also for Nigeria’s democratic development, noting that leaders of his calibre were increasingly scarce.
