Joseph Wayas, a former president of the senate in the Second Republic, has passed on at the age of 80.
Announcing his death, Cross Rivers State Governor Ben Ayade, through his special adviser on media and publicity, Christian Ita, disclosed that Wayas died in the early hours of Tuesday in a London hospital.
According to Ayade, “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,” Ayade was quoted as saying.
“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.”
The governor commiserated with the family of Wayas, noting that his death is a collective loss and the pains a shared one.
Wayas served as Nigeria’s senate president between 1979 and 1983.
