Honourable Solomon Akwashiki: A Man Who Desires More And Deserves More

By Eric M. Kuju

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nasarawa politics, some names rise naturally to the top – not necessarily through loud self-promotion, but through consistency, capacity, and quiet confidence. One such name is Honourable Solomon Akwashiki, the Member representing Lafia Central Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.

From the very beginning of his political journey, Akwashiki has stood out as a man with eyes fixed on higher ground. His political story did not begin in the Assembly but at the grassroots, as Councilor representing Akurba Electoral Ward during the administration of Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma. Even then, he refused to be confined by the limits of that office.
Those who knew him at the time remember that he carried himself not as an ‘ordinary councilor’, but as a leader already preparing for greater responsibilities. The quality and scale of his projects reflected a vision that reached beyond ward politics.

While his colleagues were satisfied doing easily forgettable activities for their constituents, Hon. Solomon Akwashiki poured considerable resources into significant projects such as the renovation of primary health centres, schools and other public facilities. He also drilled boreholes and built culverts for the benefit of his constituents. His projects were so significant and numerous that he quickly earned the nickname Mr. Project; a name that has continued to follow him till date.

When his tenure as Councilor ended, Akwashiki did not fade into political oblivion as many others do. He remained active within the political landscape of Lafia Local Government Area while also venturing into business. His modest success in business became proof of his resourcefulness and prudence, a rarity in a political culture where many become financially stranded once out of office. While many of his colleagues were barely able to afford motorcycles after leaving office, Honourable Solomon Akwashiki, through sheer business acumen, was able to afford a car for himself, carrying on with the dignity of the title ‘Honourable’.

His return to public service came when he was appointed Special Adviser to the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Council, then Hon. Aminu Muazu Maifata. Again, Akwashiki did not limit himself to the modest boundaries of that role. He worked with visible enthusiasm, taking on responsibilities far beyond the expectations of his office. His accessibility and genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary people soon became his trademark. To many, he was more than an aide; he was a leader in his own right.

It was therefore no surprise when he declared his intention to contest for the Lafia Central Constituency seat in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. His victory in that election came in dramatic fashion, but to those who had followed his trajectory, it was only a natural progression.

Since taking his seat in 2023, Hon. Solomon Akwashiki has continued to justify the faith reposed in him. His performance in the Assembly and his approach to representation show a man clearly prepared for bigger responsibilities. His constituency projects stand out for their relevance and impact. From medical outreaches, to renovation of public infrastructure, provision of scholarship and granting financial assistance to various groups and individuals in his constituency, Hon. Solomon Akwashiki has worked even more than many of those occupying higher offices than him. The boreholes he has drilled within the Lafia Central Constituency (and beyond) have become too numerous to count.

Perhaps non one has captured this sentiment as perfectly as Prince Ibrahim Hassan Abdullahi (popularly known as Adon Garin Lafia) when he spoke during an event to celebrate Hon. Solomon Akwashiki’s first year in office as Member representing Lafia Central. He said: “I want to tell His Excellency the Governor that I started understanding politics right from the second tenure of Abdullahi Adamu as Governor of Nasarawa State. Since from that time, as a son of the soil in Lafia, I have never seen a Member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly like Hon. Solomon Akwashiki.

“Some weeks ago when I did not even know he was going to organize this kind of gathering, I did a video. In that video, I said since we started having representatives at the House of Assembly as Lafia Central – and I am not saying this because he is our friend – I have never seen a member like him. And this is not because of any sentiments but because of the dividends he has brought for us.

“And I want to say this also, that he was not the choice of the powers-that-be, but God gave it to him. Some of us that did not want him to win, at that time when he calls, he will say ‘You people should give us this position because of God’. Hon. Solomon Akwashiki, God has done for you what you requested because you called on him. Everything we could have done to ensure Solomon Akwashiki should not win, we did. But God and the people wanted him, and He gave him.

“It was Senator Wadada that said if God wants, He can make even a common security man the Governor. Whether we want it or not, God can do it.

“Today the cars that Hon. Solomon Akwashiki is distributing are cars that Members of House of Representatives and Senators such as Garkuwan Lafia and Senator Wadada are distributing. This is a challenge to all who want to contest for this position next time. You should know that you may have to distribute Range Rover even as Member of House of Reps because Hon. Solomon Akwashiki even as a youth, has distributed cars.

“And we the youths are proud of him because he has not disgraced us. We want to pray for you that from this current position, if it is the will of God for you to return to this seat or to move to a higher seat, we pray that His will be done. May God bless you.”

It may be from then that calls for him to go for a higher office became louder.

What is even more important is that he has remained the most accessible legislator in the House. Even during recess, he can be found in his office attending to constituents, ever conscious that leadership is about presence as much as it is about projects and policies.

He is also among the most vocal legislators in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, making invaluable contributions to matters that affect his constituency and Nasarawa State as a whole. One of such times was when he spoke passionately about the epileptic power supply in Lafia town. Also well-known are his contributions which were critical to the upgrade of what was previously the Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES) to the Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Agency (NAYEA), greatly improving the emoluments of the workers and the general stance of the agency. These are only few out of his many exploits in the State legislature.

It has become common knowledge that Hon. Solomon Akwashiki gets things done. So much that even people from outside his constituency run to him when in need, often forgetting their own representative. ‘After all, Mr. Project will get it done.’

Little wonder, then, that calls have begun to mount for him to seek higher office. Many within Lafia and beyond believe he should represent the Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. Among those making these calls, there is a striking consensus: Honourable Solomon Akwashiki is capable and ready. Even among his opponents (or haters as some will put it), you will hardly find anyone doubting his capability to deliver in a higher office.

Interestingly, whispers have also begun to circulate about his potential suitability as a running mate to whoever emerges as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite his current membership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). True or not, the mere fact that his name features in such discussions within the ruling party speaks volumes about the respect he commands across political lines.
You don’t get that kind of cross-party recognition overnight. It can only be built over years of credibility, competence, and character.

What is it about Hon. Solomon Akwashiki that makes people instinctively believe he can do more? Perhaps part of it lies in his commanding presence; his tall frame and confident bearing. Physical features can be very important. But beyond appearances, it is his substance that draws admiration. In a political culture where generosity is often equated with leadership, he has managed to support his people without ostentation. His level of assistance, financial and otherwise, often rivals that of some National Assembly members, and he does so with quiet consistency. Almost every day, Hon. Solomon Akwashiki has many invitations to events. In all of these events, he is expected to make significant donations. Mr. Project hardly disappoints.

It is clear that Akwashiki’s rise is not accidental. It is the product of deliberate effort, discipline, and divine favour. His journey so far is that of a man who refuses to settle for mediocrity, a man whose ambition is not born of greed but of vision.

This article is not a campaign for any political position. It is simply an honest reflection on the life of a man who, through his conduct and commitment, has shown that he desires more – and indeed, deserves more – from politics and public service.