Dr. Joseph Wayas, a Second Republic Senate President, has passed on in a foreign hospital where he had been receiving treatment.
The former Senate President, who hailed from Cross River State, died on Thursday in a London hospital.
Cross River Governor Ben Ayade, in a statement, confirmed the incident, The Nation reports
He lamented the passing of Wayas, describing his death as a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, Ayade said Wayas left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
“As a state, Cross River is in pain 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 consoled Wayas’ family, assuring them that his demise is a collective loss and the pains a shared one.
