The Second Republic Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas yesterday died in a London hospital.
He died at the age of 80 after a protracted illness.
Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade confirmed the death through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita.
He described Wayas death as a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
Ayade said that Wayas left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
He added, "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".
According to him, “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.”
While condoling with Wayas' family, he said that his demise is a collective loss and the pains a shared one.
Briefly
Wayas was born in Basang, Obudu, Cross River State on May 21, 1941.
He had his secondary school education at Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha before he proceeded 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.
He served as third Senate President in 1979 to 1983 before the region was truncated by a coup that installed the then General Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s head of state.
Wayas was a founding member of the defunct All People’s Party. He later joined the opposition People’s Democratic Party in 2002.
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