The body of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, the federal lawmaker representing Nasarawa North, has been returned to Nigeria after his death in India. The sombre arrival occurred on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Solemn Airport Reception for Late Lawmaker
The remains arrived via the airport's cargo terminal. A delegation from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the platform under which Akwashiki served, was present to receive the body. The delegation was led by the party's acting National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, and its 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo.
They were joined by several prominent political figures, including former Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Al-Makura, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, and former Minister of Information Labaran Maku. Notably, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other principal officers of the Senate were absent, a point Gombe attributed to the ongoing Senate recess.
The body is expected to be transferred to the National Hospital morgue in Abuja, where it will be kept until the family announces burial arrangements.
Tributes Pour In for a 'Great Loss'
Speaking to journalists at the airport, SDP leaders expressed profound grief. Sadiq Gombe stated that Akwashiki's passing was a significant blow. "It is a great loss not only to his constituents but also to the SDP and Nigeria at large," Gombe said.
Adewole Adebayo echoed this sentiment, describing the late senator as an influential figure. "Many people who know Senator Godiya Akwashiki will know that he is a great man. It is a great loss... His loss hurts the entire state. To us, we do not have many senators, so his death is a great loss," Adebayo remarked.
Recalling Akwashiki's Political Career
Senator Godiya Akwashiki died on December 31, 2025, at the age of 52 in an Indian hospital after a prolonged illness. Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah village, Nasarawa Eggon LGA, his political journey began in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he served from 2011 to 2019, rising to the position of Deputy Speaker.
He was elected to the Senate in 2019 and successfully secured re-election in 2023. At the National Assembly, he made his mark by chairing the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and later heading the Committee on Air Force. He was widely recognized for his active constituency outreach and empowerment programs across the Nasarawa North Senatorial District.
The late senator is survived by his wife and children. The nation now awaits details of his final rites.
