SAMUEL OGIDAN; INNOCENT OWEH
ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the incoming national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorcha Ayu; former President of the Senate, David Mark, and former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, on Thursday joined Nigerians to mourn the passing of Second Republic Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas.
President Buhari has sent condolence message to the family of former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, on the passing of the legislator.
In a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, Buhari described Wayas influence and contributions to Nigeria’s democracy as indelible.
The president 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.
Noting that Wayas was a consummate politician, democrat and a detribalised Nigerian, the former vice president said that the late Wayas contributed in no small measure to the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria and will forever be remembered as one who served the country well and served his people with passion.
Atiku in a statement said: “The legacy of his political beliefs and triumphs will be important footnotes in the literature of Nigeria’s government and politics for generations yet to come.”
The former vice president prays to God to stand by the bereaved family, as well as the government and people of Cross River to bear the loss of a patriarch and statesman with fortitude.
Ayu, on his part, described the late Wayas as a quintessential democrat who left bold prints on the politics and political history of Nigeria.
While recalling his role in the Second Republic, Ayu said Wayas brought stability, colour, style and depth to his leadership of the National Assembly.
He said: “I join millions of Nigerians across different strata of life mourning the passing of this great Nigerian statesman. He dedicated his life to the service of his fatherland.
“He was a great man, a quintessential democrat and outstanding statesman, who has left very hold prints both on the politics and political history of Nigeria.”
Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, described the demise of one of his predecessors, Dr. Wayas, as a sad end of an era.
“The death of Dr. Wayas indicated that most of the key players of that era have gone to the great beyond. He was the 4th President of the Nigerian Senate,” Mark in a statement said.
In his tribute on the transition of Dr. Wayas, Senator Mark described him as a flamboyant, vibrant and distinguished parliamentarian who left his positive footprints in the sand of time.
Senator Mark, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Paul Mumeh, paid glowing tribute to Dr. Wayas for his invaluable contributions especially his solid foundation for democracy and the legislature in Nigeria.
He said: “Senator Wayas was a great nationalist. He was a parliamentarian per excellence. His diligence, honesty and uncommon dedication to the ideals of nationhood remains reference points.
“He brought dignity and respect to the legislature by adhering to the rule of law, separation of power and collaborating with the executive arm of government without compromising the independence of the legislature”.
Senator Mark recalled the wise counsel he received from Dr. Wayas while in office as the President of the Senate, adding, “Wayas was always handy anytime we had some knotty issues in the Senate. He called and visited regularly to see how we were fairing.”
His death at this time is a loss to the nation especially the legislature because “we shall miss his wise counsel and honest contributions to the issues and welfare of Nigerians.”
Senator Mark canvassed that the Federal Government immortalizes Wayas in recognition of his contributions to national development.
He prayed that God grants the deceased eternal rest.
Former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Nnamani, described the death of Wayas as a huge loss to the nation, especially the political class.
Reacting to the demise of the elder statesman, Sen. Nnamani, who represents Enugu East in the Senate, noted that Dr. Wayas was a pathfinder who believed in the sanctity of the ballot as a vehicle for electing leaders at all levels.
The former governor recalled that as President of the Senate, Dr. Wayas demonstrated competence, character and discipline in running the affairs of the upper legislative chamber and by extension the National Assembly.
He noted the honest and robust contributions of Dr. Wayas not just to the legislature but in the overall development of the nation.
Sen. Nnamani added that Dr. Wayas was one of the best and fertile minds that presided over the Nigerian Senate, saying, “We have lost a patriot and committed democrat who took the entire country as his constituency.”
He stated that Dr. Wayas believed in a fair and just society where no citizen is impeded or inhibited from pursuing his or her legitimate ambition on account of religion, ethnic or tribal leaning.
Also mourning the elder statesman, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, described the death of Senator Wayas as a great loss for Nigeria.
Lawan, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, said, “Senator Joseph Wayas was a great lawmaker and political leader who served his country and people with dedication and integrity.
“As the Senate President in the Second Republic, Senator Wayas led the upper chamber with competence and passion. He was a great symbol of his political era.
“Senator Wayas continued to contribute to nation-building, democracy and socio-economic development of Nigeria even after he left public office in 1983.
“He played a significant role as Deputy Chairman of the 1994-95 National Constitutional Conference and took part in many other national assignments.
“Nigeria will sorely miss his wealth of experience,” Lawan said.
The Senate President prays to God to grant Senator Wayas’ gentle soul a sweet repose and to his loved ones the fortitude to bear his loss.
Dr. Wayas was the Second Republic President of the Senate during the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983. Dr. Alex Ekwueme was the Vice President while Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke was the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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