Former Senate President Joseph Wayas is dead

Dr Joseph Wayas, a former President of the Senate is dead.

This was made known by the Cross Rivers State governor, Ben Ayade, in Calabar.

In a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, Ayade said Dr Wayas left indelible footprints on the sands of time.

He described his death as a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

In the released statement Ayade 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,”

“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 stabilizing role in the politics and affairs of our state.”

Ayade further condoled with the family of the deceased saying “we are with you in this moment of grief. We have you in our hearts and prayers.”

Dr Joseph Wayas, a Cross River-born politician, was said to have passed away in a London Hospital in the early hours of Thursday after a protracted illness.

He was aged 81 years.

You would recall that Dr Joseph Wayas served as Nigeria’s third Senate President during the country’s second republic and was in office between 1979–1983.