Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state and a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki have both mourned the demise of Joseph Wayas, a former Senate president.
Wayas who was the Senate president during the second Republic passed away at the age of 80 on Thursday. The elder statesman was said to have suffered from a protracted illness and was taken to an hospital in London, the United Kingdom where he breath his last.
Waya who was born on May 21, 1941 hailed from Basang area of Obudu in Cross River State.
He had his secondary school education at Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha before he went to the United Kingdom where he studied at the Higher Tottenham Technical College, London.
The former senate president also attended the West Bromwich College of Commerce, Science and Technology, Birmingham and Aston University, Birmingham.
Wayas served as third Senate President in 1979 to 1983 before the administration was truncated by a coup that installed the then General Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s head of state.
Reacting to his demise, Governor Ayade described Wayas as a rare gem to the state as well as the country at large.
The governor also described his demise as a monumental loss, adding that he left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
He also sympathised with the family of the deceased, praying that God grant them the solace to bear the irreparable loss.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita.
The statement reads, “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.
“As 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.”
Also, Saraki in his heartfelt tribute described Wayas as a great statesman, experienced legislator, and people-centered politician.
The two-time governor of Kwara state also recounted how Wayas provided him guidance during his time as the Senate president of the 8th assembly.
He also commiserated with the family of the deceased, the people of Cross River and Nigerians at large.
This was contained in a signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yusuph Olaniyonu.
The statement reads, “My prayers are with the Wayas family over the passing of Dr. Joseph Wayas, who was the President of the Senate while my father, Dr. Olusola Saraki, served as Senate Leader between 1979 and 1983.
“I remember when I was younger, whenever Oloye used to visit Dr. Wayas, or Dr. Wayas came to our home on visits, he always had a knack for wanting to ensure that everyone was carried along in the solutions to the problems of the day.
“During my time as Senate President, knowing fully well how closely he and my father worked, based on his experience, I consulted with him regularly on issues relating to the running of the Senate. He was a guest at a few of our anniversary events in the 8th Senate.
“This is why, today, as we mourn the passing of this great statesman, experienced legislator, and people-centered politician, I thank Almighty God and his family for sharing him with us.
“I also commiserate with the people of Cross River State over Dr. Wayas’ demise, and pray for strength for his family, friends, political associates, and supporters.”
