Akpabio, Governors, Senators, Others Attend Late Nasarawa North Senator Akwashiki’s Funeral

Top political figures, including President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; and Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Saturday, converged in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, to pay their last respects to the late Senator representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District, Godiya Akwashiki.

The funeral ceremony featured a solemn service at St. Williams Catholic Church Cathedral, Lafia. Other prominent attendees included former Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; deputy governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau; Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang; Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; and National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Umar, among others.

Delivering a condolence message on behalf of the National Assembly, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described the late Senator as a rare patriot, servant-leader, and unwavering advocate of national unity and stability.

Barau noted that Senator Akwashiki, who died on December 31, 2025, in an Indian hospital at the age of 52, made remarkable contributions to legislative excellence and national service, adding that the Senate would greatly miss his commitment and dedication.

In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule called on political, religious, and community leaders to embrace unity beyond differences and work collectively for the development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.

He urged citizens to prioritise peace and harmony in order to continue enjoying the dividends of democracy and appealed to politicians to forgive one another’s political shortcomings, stressing that death is inevitable.

While praying for the eternal rest of the late lawmaker, Sule encouraged the bereaved family to find comfort in the impactful life he lived, noting that he touched many lives during his political journey. He also called on the congregation to sustain the legacies left behind by the deceased.

“Death reminds us to be mindful. It reminds goodness of man. It reminds us about destiny. And the reason why that happens is because this time, as we see, it is a trend. We are all in the same trend,” the governor said.

In his sermon, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jos, Bishop Matthew Ishaya Audu, described Akwashiki as a devout Christian, grassroots politician, and distinguished Nigerian, reminding the congregation of the certainty of death and the transient nature of human existence.

The cleric urged Christians to live lives anchored in humility, commitment, and prayer, while also striving for personal and collective prosperity. He further admonished political leaders to see leadership as a sacred responsibility rather than a business pursuit and to uphold righteousness as a divine mandate.

“Saint Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, chapter 14, verse 7 to 8, that none of us lives for himself only, and no one dies for himself only,” he said.

The Aren Eggon and paramount ruler of the Eggon nation, Ahmed Ubangari, also thanked sympathisers for standing by the family throughout the mourning period.

Late Senator Godiya Akwashiki served in the 9th and 10th Senate sessions, where he chaired several committees, including those on the Air Force and Media and Public Affairs, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to national development.