Senior leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Monday received the remains of Senator Godiya Akwashiki at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, following his death last week in India.
Prominent figures present included the party's 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; former Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; lawmakers; and supporters.
The body was subsequently taken to the National Hospital in Abuja.Akwashiki, aged 52, represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate on the SDP platform.
He passed away on Wednesday at a hospital in India, according to party officials.Speaking to journalists at the airport, Adebayo described the late senator as a key party figure and a major loss to his family, Nasarawa State, and Nigeria.
"We have lost one of our soldiers," Adebayo said, emphasizing Akwashiki's cross-party respect and integrity. "He was a gentleman of the highest calibre. The consolation is that he left a good name behind."
Adebayo noted that the senator's death would impact the party and the quality of representation from Nasarawa State.
Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Jonathan Gbefwi, called the loss heartbreaking, praising Akwashiki as a seasoned legislator, devoted family man, and someone who left an "indelible mark."
Gbefwi highlighted the impact on the senator's Egon community and urged unity in the face of grief.
Addressing the absence of serving senators, he explained that the National Assembly is on recess, with some lawmakers abroad, adding that support for the bereaved family is paramount.
Acting SDP National Chairman Sadiq Gombe described the death as a profound loss to the party, Nasarawa State, and Nigeria's democracy.
Nasarawa State House of Assembly Speaker Danadi Jato recalled serving with Akwashiki in the state assembly from 2011 to 2015, praising him as a hardworking legislator.
A native of Angba Iggah in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Akwashiki was first elected to the Senate in 2019, re-elected in 2023, and had previously served as Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker in the state assembly.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com