The political community of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large is in mourning following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who passed away on December 30th in an Indian hospital after a protracted illness. The loss has prompted a profound reflection on his contributions and the enduring challenges within the nation’s political fabric.
Dr. Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, led the tributes, describing the late senator as a “patriotic citizen” and “one of the best performing senators.” During a condolence visit to the family in Lafia, Jatau emphasized the painful void left by Akwashiki’s passing, noting his significant contributions to the development of Nasarawa North Senatorial District, the state, and the country. “Please let’s all take heart. Akwashiki’s death was painful and a big blow to us and Nigeria at large,” the Speaker stated, urging the family to find solace in faith.
Jatau’s remarks, however, extended beyond individual grief, touching on a deeper, more troubling pattern. His prayer—”We pray God to end this death in Eggon Nation and the society in general”—highlighted a poignant concern. By referencing the passing of other prominent Eggon leaders like former Senator Solomon Ewuga alongside Akwashiki, the Speaker subtly pointed to a recurring cycle of loss that impacts community leadership and political continuity. This observation opens a critical discussion on the stability of political representation and the health challenges often faced by public servants in Nigeria.
The late senator’s legacy, as affirmed by his elder sister, Mrs. Hajaratu Akwashiki, was that of a man who “lived a fulfilled and accomplished life.” For constituents, this likely translates to tangible projects, advocacy, and representation. A “best performing senator” typically implies effectiveness in attracting federal projects, sponsoring or debating impactful legislation, and maintaining a strong presence within his constituency. His death, therefore, represents not just a personal loss but a potential disruption in the developmental trajectory of his district, raising immediate questions about succession and the preservation of his political agenda.
The context of his passing in a foreign hospital also inadvertently underscores a persistent national issue: the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system. The fact that a serving senator sought treatment abroad for a protracted illness speaks volumes about the gaps in advanced medical care within the country, a reality faced by countless Nigerians irrespective of status. This aspect of the story connects a personal tragedy to a systemic national challenge.
In responding to the speaker’s condolences, the Akwashiki family’s gratitude reflected the importance of solidarity in the nation’s political culture. Such visits are not mere formalities; they are essential rituals of respect and shared humanity that bind the political class and the communities they serve during times of crisis.
Ultimately, the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, as framed by the state’s legislative leader, is a multifaceted event. It is the loss of a patriot and a performer, a moment that exposes anxieties about communal stability, and a reminder of systemic infrastructural deficits. As Nasarawa State and the Eggon Nation bear this “irreparable loss,” the enduring test will be how his documented contributions inspire future leaders and how the system addresses the underlying issues his passing brings to light. The true measure of his patriotic service will be its lasting impact on the people and the political landscape he dedicated himself to serving.
Edited by Joseph Edeh. Source: NAN News.
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