The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has sent his condolences to the family of former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, who died on Thursday.
Lawan commiserates with the family of Senator Wayas, the Government and People of Cross River State, friends and political associates of the late elder statesman.
He describes the death of Senator Wayas as a great loss for Nigeria.
“Senator Joseph Wayas was a great lawmaker and political leader who served his country and people with dedication and integrity.
“As the Senate President in the Second Republic, Senator Wayas led the upper chamber with competence and passion. He was a great symbol of his political era.
“Senator Wayas continued to contribute to nation-building, democracy and socio-economic development of Nigeria even after he left public office in 1983.
“He played a significant role as Deputy Chairman of the 1994-95 National Constitutional Conference and took part in many other national assignments.
“Nigeria will sorely miss his wealth of experience,” Lawan said
The Senate President prays to God to grant Senator Wayas’ gentle soul a sweet repose and to his loved ones the fortitude to bear his loss.
Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has described the demise of one of his predecessors; Dr. Joseph Wayas as a sad end of an era.
Late Wayas’ Cross River state governor, Ben Ayade also lamented his passing describing it as a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
Dr Wayas died in the early hours of Tuesday in a London hospital.
He was the Second Republic President of the Senate during the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983.
Sadly, the nation’s top four political office holders by 1983 have all passed. They were Shehu Shagari (President), Alex Ekwueme (Vice President), Wayas, and Edwin Ume-Ezeoke (Speaker, House of Representatives).
In his tribute on the transition of Dr Wayas, Senator Mark described him as a flamboyant, vibrant and distinguished parliamentarian who left his positive footprints in the sand of time.
Senator Mark paid glowing tribute to Dr Wayas for his invaluable contributions especially his solid foundation for democracy and the legislature in Nigeria.
He said:” Senator Wayas was a great nationalist. He was a parliamentarian per excellence. His diligence, honesty and uncommon dedication to the ideals of nationhood remains reference points.
“He brought dignity and respect to the legislature by adhering to the rule of law, separation of power and collaborating with the executive arm of government without compromising the independence of the legislature”.
Senator Mark recalled the wise counsel he received from Dr Wayas while in office as the President of the Senate, adding, “Wayas was always handy anytime we had some knotty issues in the Senate. He called and visited regularly to see how we were fairing.”
His death at this time is a loss to the nation especially the legislature because “We shall miss his wise counsel and honest contributions to the issues and welfare of Nigerians.”
Senator Mark canvassed that the federal government immortalizes Wayas in recognition of his contributions to national development.
Ayade, in a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, said Dr Wayas left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
“As a state, Cross River is in pains as we mourn the passing of our illustrious son. He was a rare gem. Dr Wayas’ demise is indeed a monumental loss to our dear state and Nigeria.
”Senate President, Dr Wayas contributed to the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic ethos through his robust and vibrant leadership of the upper legislative chamber.
“And since his retirement from active politics, the former Senate President had been playing a fatherly and stabilising role in the politics and affairs of our state.”
He condoled with Dr Wayas’ family, assuring them that his demise is a collective loss and the pains a shared one.
“We are with you in this moment of grief. We have you in our hearts and prayers,” the government assured the deceased family.
Meanwhile, the former Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani has described the death of Wayas as a huge loss to the nation especially the political class.
Reacting to the demise of the elder statesman, Sen Nnamani, who represents Enugu East in the Senate, noted that Dr. Wayas was a pathfinder who believed in the sanctity of the ballot as a vehicle for electing leaders at all levels.
The former Governor recalled that as President of the Senate, Dr Wayas demonstrated competence, character and discipline in running the affairs of the upper legislative chamber and by extension the National Assembly.
He noted the honest and robust contributions of Dr. Wayas not just to the legislature but in the overall development of the nation.
Sen Nnamani added that Dr. Wayas was one of the best and fertile minds that presided over the Nigerian Senate, saying “ We have lost a patriot and committed democrat who took the entire country as his constituency”.
He stated that Dr Wayas believed in a fair and just society where no citizen is impeded or inhibited from pursuing his or her legitimate ambition on account of religion, ethnic or tribal leaning.
Sen Nnamani hopes that the slogan of one Nigeria, one destiny and brotherhood no matter the differences in tongue which Dr Wayas espoused during his lifetime would be the guiding light for the present and future generation of Nigerians.
He prayed that God in His infinite mercies grants Dr. Wayas eternal rest.