Anthony Iwuoma
Dr. Joseph Wayas, former president of Nigeria’s Senate, was on Thursday reported dead.
Wayas, 80, who presided over the upper chamber of the National Assembly in the Second Republic, reportedly died in a London hospital during a protracted illness.
Reacting to Wayas’ death, the Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade described it as “a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular and Nigeria as a whole”.
Ayade’s special adviser on media and publicity, Christian Ita, said:
“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.”
The governor further said:, “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.”
Condoling the brereaved family, Ayade assured them that Wayas’ death is a collective loss, adding, “we are with you in this moment of grief. We have you in our hearts and prayers.”
READ ALSO: Final year UNILORIN student jailed 3-yrs for N35m Internet scam
The Basang, Obudu, Cross River State-born politician was born on May 21, 1941.
Wayas was the third Senate President between 1979 to 1983 before the then General Muhammadu Buhari truncated the civil rule via a bloodless coup añd emerged as Nigeria’s head of state.
In the current dispensation, Wayas was a founding member of the now-defunct All People’s Party, APP, although he later left to join the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in 2002.
Wayas attended Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, before proceeding to the United Kingdom where he studied at the Higher Tottenham Technical College, London.
He also attended the West Bromwich College of Commerce, Science and Technology, Birmingham and Aston University, Birmingham.
