* Buhari, Ayade, Cross River people mourn
Second Republic President of the Senate, Dr. Joseph Wayas, is dead
He reportedly died in a London hospital in the early hours of Thursday.
He is said to have been in London Hospital for months, receiving medical care.
Joseph Wayas was born on May 21, 1941in Basang, Obudu, Cross River State and attended the Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha.
He traveled to the United Kingdom and studied at the Higher Tottenham Technical College, London; the West Bronwich College of Commerce, Science and Technology, Birmingham and Aston University, Birmingham.
Back in Nigeria, he worked as a manager or controller from 1960-1969 for several companies in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Wayas was a member of the Society of International Affairs at the Lincoln University, United States.
Elected senator in 1979, Wayas served as President of the Senate from 1979 to 1983 before the military truncated the democracy.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a condolence message to the family of Joseph Wayas, on the death of the former senator.
Through his media aide Femi Adesina, the president described Wayas’ influence and contributions to Nigeria’s democracy as indelible.
Buhari noted the sacrifices of Wayas, who started taking up leadership responsibilities at an early age, turning a Senate President at 38, and remaining vibrant and dynamic in mentoring leaders long after he retired from politics.
He said he joins the National Assembly, government and people of Cross River State, his friends and associates in mourning the loss, believing his legacies will be approximated for posterity.
The president also prayed that his soul will find rest with the Lord.
Also on Thursday, Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, described the passing of Dr Wayas as a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular, and Nigeria as a whole, saying the former senate president left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
“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,” Ayade is further quoted.
The governor assured the immediate family that his demise is a collective loss and the pains a shared one.
“We are with you in this moment of grief. We have you in our hearts and prayers,” he concluded.