The former governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Al-Makura, said the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, representing Nasarawa North, was bedridden for over two years and could not perform his legislative duty at the 10th National Assembly before his death.
He noted that the late senator helped in the success of his two terms as Governor of the state.
Al-Makura disclosed this in an interview with a journalist on Monday after the remains of the senator arrived in Nigeria from India.
He described the death of the senator as a colossal loss to his constituents, Nasarawa, and Nigeria at large.
According to him, there is no one that can replace the deceased senator in the political history of the state.
“It is a loss to Nigeria. One cannot quantify the loss.
“He has been bedridden for over two years, which did not allow him to participate in the deliberations in the Senate. However, our consolation is that Senator Godiya has been a very faithful politician and committed partner. He is loyal to his leaders and followers.
“He has helped in no small measure in ensuring the success of my administration when I was the chief executive of the state.”
“I have lost a political son; I have lost a political friend and associate whose replacement would not be easy to have.
“I wish leaders would have committed and faithful subordinates like Godiya.
“I am sure not only those of us who are close to him will miss him, but every member of his constituency, whether they are All Progressives Congress or Social Democratic Party or whatever party, I cannot be wrong to say they have missed him. My only consolation is that he lived a good life, he lived a committed life, he lived a loyal life, and he is a team player. I pray that almighty God grants his soul peace,” he said.
On his part, a senatorial aspirant in the state, Duba Dodo, described the death of Akwashiki as unfortunate for the people of the state and Nigerians.
Also, Safiyanu Isa Andaha, the Chairman of Akwaga Local Government and Association of the Local Governments of Nigeria Nasarawa Chapter, said Akwashiki’s death would impact the state and nation as a whole.
Earlier Al-Makura, former presidential candidate of SDP at the 2023 election, Adewole Adebayo, the national chairman of SDP Prof. Sadiq Gombe, and others received Senator Akwashiki’s remains from India at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Cargo terminal in Abuja.
He was bedridden for two years – Al-Makura on Senator Akwashiki’s death
