By Shuaibu Usman Muhammad
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has described late Sen. Godiya Akwashiki of Nasarawa North as a distinguished lawmaker and dedicated public servant who championed the cause of national development.
She stated this in a condolence message on Friday, expressing her profound grief on the loss of the two-term Nasarawa North legislator.
Sen. Akwashiki died on Wednesday evening, aged 52, at an Indian hospital after battling with a prolonged illness.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim extended her condolences to the Nasarawa Government, people and the National Assembly, praying for his eternal rest.
Nasarawa Newsline reported on Friday that Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, had also extended his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and Eggon Nation over the loss.
In a statement he signed and issued to the media, Sule said the passing away of Akwashiki was a great loss not only to his immediate family, Eggon nation but the entire state.
According to the Governor, the late Senator Akwashiki was an accomplished public servant, courageous legislator and a devoted son of Eggon land, whose humility, commitment, and service to his people was remarkable.
He added that the late Akwashiki’s journey as a politician was a demonstration of deep connection with the common man.
Also, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, an immediate past Executive Director/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib mourned the death of “the committed senator”.
Dr. Shuaib condoled with the Aren Eggon, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku rtd, the Nasarawa State Government, the Nigerian Senate and the family of the late Sen. Akwashiki in a statement issued by his media office earlier on Thursday.
“Dr. Shuaib notes the strength and enduring contributions of the late Sen. Akwashiki, adding that the parliamentarian was a great achiever, servant-leader and committed nationalist.”
“While expressing overwhelming sorrow over the painful loss, he believes the death is beyond word with no most appropriate description.”
“He extends his deepest condolences to the Aren Eggon and the deceased’s family, encouraging them to take solace in God’s irreversible decision.”
Akwashiki was born August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah village in Nasarawa Eggon local government area of Nasarawa state.
He was elected into office during the 2019, general under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) elections and was reelected under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2023, general elections.