Former President of the Senate in the Second Republic, Dr Joseph Wayas has died.
The Cross River State Government confirmed Wayas’ death in a Thursday statement.
Wayas died in the early hours of Tuesday in a London hospital, according to the statement signed by Christian Ita, Special Adviser to the Cross River Governor on Media and Publicity.
The state governor, Professor Ben Ayade lamented the passing of Wayas, describing his death as a monumental loss to Cross River in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
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Ayade said Wayas 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”, Ayade was quoted as saying in the statement.
According to the governor, “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.”
He condoled with Wayas’ family, assuring them 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,” the government assured the deceased family.