Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a very straightforward politician whose word was his bond.
Speaking on Saturday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, at the residence of Akwashiki, Akpabio paid tribute to the senator, who passed away on New Year’s Eve and was buried the same day. He assured Mrs. Akwashiki that she would not be alone, noting that her husband had built bridges across Nigeria and that his friends would continue to support her.
Akpabio noted that Akwashiki’s death adds to the Senate’s recent losses, mentioning Senators Ifeanyi Ubah and Okey Ezea. Born in Angba Iggah, Nasarawa Eggon LGA, Akwashiki was first elected to the Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform.
Prior to the Senate, he served in the State House of Assembly as Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker, and held key Senate positions including Chairman of the Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and Chair of the Airforce Committee.
2023 SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, described Akwashiki as one of the last enduring symbols of principled politics, a disciplined public servant whose life reflected respect for institutions and democratic responsibility. He highlighted Akwashiki’s career path—from the NNPC to national politics—as a model of patience, learning, and respect for process.
Adebayo emphasized that Akwashiki’s true legacy lies in the values he upheld: dignity of labour, dialogue, and protection of the vulnerable, and urged current leaders to reflect on whether they are building legacies grounded in conscience, humanity, and accountability, rather than merely holding office.
