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Tag: Senator Godiya Akwashiki

  • Akwashiki plans to step down in 2027 says SDP National Chairman

    Akwashiki plans to step down in 2027 says SDP National Chairman

    The Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Gombe has disclosed that the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who died penultimate week, had signified intention not to seek re-election in 2027 following his failing health.

    He made this revelation on Thursday night in Lafia, Nasarawa State, capital during a special night of tributes organised by the party in honour of the former Senate Committee Chairman on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs.

    Addressing the solemn occasion which attracted political leaders across the party lines, the SDP National Chairman recalled that shortly before his death, Akwashiki had expressed concern that his failing health might affect his ability to serve effectively and had even contemplated stepping aside.

    This, Gombe said, was to ensure quality representation for his people—an action he described as a rare demonstration of responsibility and patriotism.

    The federal lawmaker died penultimate week at an Indian hospital at the age of 52.

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    Gombe described Akwashiki as a rare example of integrity, selfless service, and principled leadership whose impact would remain deeply rooted in the political history of Nasarawa State.

    The Chairman noted that the late lawmaker lived a life defined by honour, compassion, and the fear of God, which earned him respect across political, ethnic and religious lines, adding that his leadership style was anchored on service, accountability, and deep commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

    Eulogising Akwashiki,  the SDP leader said, “While we mourn his departure, we are grateful to Almighty Allah for a life well spent. True leadership is measured not by years or titles but by the legacy one leaves behind. Senator Akwashiki’s legacy speaks for itself,” Gombe stated.

    Then, he prayed for the emergence of leaders who are God-fearing, accountable, and genuinely committed to public service.

    At the tribute night, other speakers, including Senator Suleiman Adokwe, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, SDP leaders at national and state levels, elected officials, traditional rulers, and members of other political parties, highlighted the late senator’s dedication to dialogue, integrity, and grassroots development.

    They recalled his role in executing impactful constituency projects across communities in Nasarawa North Senatorial District, noting that he was widely regarded as one of the most effective lawmakers the state has produced since 1999.

    Special prayers were offered for the repose of his soul.

    Born in Angba Iggah, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the late senator was first elected into the Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. He earlier served as a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he rose to become Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker.

    He also served in several key capacities in the National Assembly, including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force.

  • Akwashiki planned to step down in 2027, says SDP National Chairman 

    Akwashiki planned to step down in 2027, says SDP National Chairman 

    The. Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Gombe has disclosed late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who died penultimate week, had signified intention not to seek re-election in 2027 following his failing health.

    He made this revelation on Thursday night in Lafia, Nasarawa State, capital during a special night of tributes organised by the party in honour of the former Senate Committee Chairman on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs.

    Addressing the solemn occasion which attracted political leaders across the party lines, the SDP National Chairman recalled that shortly before his death, Akwashiki had expressed concern that his failing health might affect his ability to serve effectively and had even contemplated stepping aside.

    This, Gombe said, was to ensure quality representation for his people—an action he described as a rare demonstration of responsibility and patriotism.

    The federal lawmaker died penultimate week at an Indian hospital at 52.

    Gombe described Akwashiki as a rare example of integrity, selfless service, and principled leadership whose impact would remain deeply rooted in the political history of Nasarawa State.

    The Chairman noted the late lawmaker lived a life defined by honour, compassion, and the fear of God, which earned him respect across political, ethnic and religious lines. Adding that his leadership style was anchored on service, accountability, and deep commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

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    Eulogising Akwashiki,  the SDP leader said: “While we mourn his departure, we are grateful to Almighty Allah for a life well spent. True leadership is measured not by years or titles but by the legacy one leaves behind. Senator Akwashiki’s legacy speaks for itself.”

    He prayed for the emergence of leaders who are God-fearing, accountable, and genuinely committed to public service.

    At the tribute night, other speakers, including Senator Suleiman Adokwe, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, SDP leaders at national and state levels, elected officials, traditional rulers, and members of other political parties, highlighted the late senator’s dedication to dialogue, integrity, and grassroots development.

    They recalled his role in executing impactful constituency projects across communities in Nasarawa North Senatorial District, noting that he was widely regarded as one of the most effective lawmakers the state has produced since 1999.

    Special prayers were offered for the repose of his soul.

    Born in Angba Iggah, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the late senator was first elected into the Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. He earlier served as a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he rose to become Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker.

    He also served in several key capacities in the National Assembly, including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force.

  • Akwashiki’s death a devastating loss to Nigeria – Adebayo

    Akwashiki’s death a devastating loss to Nigeria – Adebayo

    …leaders across party lines paid tributes to the late senator

    The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a devastating loss to Nigeria, Nasarawa State, and the opposition.

    Adebayo made the remark on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while receiving the remains of the late lawmaker alongside party leaders across political divides and members of the Akwashiki family.

    Senator Akwashiki, 52, represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at a hospital in India.

    Speaking at the solemn reception, the former SDP standard bearer said the senator’s death was not only a setback for the party but also a serious loss to the quality of legislation and political discourse in the country. He described Akwashiki as one of the strongest voices within both the SDP and the National Assembly.

    Adebayo noted that the presence of leaders across party lines, including former governors and senior legislators, reflected the late senator’s influence beyond partisan politics. He prayed for the repose of Akwashiki’s soul and asked God to grant his family, the Eggon Nation, Nasarawa State, and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Also speaking, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau described the senator’s death as a great loss to the state and the nation, noting that his contributions to good governance and development were outstanding.

    Jatau recalled serving with Akwashiki in the state legislature between 2011 and 2015, adding that the late lawmaker later returned to the House as Deputy Speaker.

    He also noted that 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 the Speaker, the loss was particularly painful for young people who looked up to the late senator as a mentor and leader.

    Eulogising Akwashiki, the Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, said the senator’s death had created an irreparable loss for the party, Nasarawa State, and the nation. He described the late lawmaker as a committed party man and a strong pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.

    Gombe added that the presence of political leaders from different parties at the ceremony underscored the senator’s cross-party appeal, stressing that his death was a national loss.

    Prominent figures at the event included the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi-Gaza, federal and state lawmakers, SDP leaders, as well as community and traditional leaders from the Eggon Nation.

    The remains of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki were later deposited at the National Hospital, Abuja.