By Aderogba George
Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Dr Adewole Adebayo, on Monday led party leaders to receive the remains of Sen. Godiya Akwashiki at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from India.
The event attracted political leaders, lawmakers and supporters from across party lines, who gathered to pay their last respects amid grief and solemn reflection.
Adebayo said the late senator was one of the SDP’s strongest pillars, saying his death created a deep void within the party and Nasarawa State.
“We’ve lost one of our strongest soldiers. We feel completely devastated, especially for the family,” he said, adding that the pain cut across communities and political divides.
He described Akwashiki as a man of integrity whose good name and legacy would endure, noting that he enjoyed the confidence of his constituents and respect across party lines.
“He was a great Christian, a great family man and a good senator. If he had lived longer, people would still consider that seat as his,” Adebayo said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi, described the death as heartbreaking, saying the late senator left an indelible mark on the state.
“He was a seasoned legislator, a wonderful father and a fantastic husband. It is a great loss to Nasarawa State,” Gbefwi said.
He prayed that the tragedy would strengthen unity within the party and the state, urging supporters to draw strength from faith.
Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr Sadiq Abubakar-Gombe, said the party was deeply saddened by the loss of the distinguished senator.
“It is a great loss to his constituency, Nasarawa State and Nigeria at this trying period of our democracy,” Abubakar-Gombe said.
He noted that the turnout at the airport cut across party lines, reflecting Akwashiki’s wide acceptance and enduring political legacy.
Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr Danadi Jato, said the death was a huge blow to the state and the nation.
Jato recalled serving with Akwashiki in the state assembly, describing him as a performing lawmaker who served with dedication and distinction.
“He was a performing senator. It is a very great loss, especially to the Eggon people,” Jato said.
The ceremony ended with prayers and condolences as leaders, party members and supporters paid their last respects to the late senator. (NAN) www.nannews.ng