Joseph Wayas, a former Nigerian senate president of the Second Republic, has reportedly died in London at 80.
It was gathered that the octogenarian passed on after a long illness in a London hospital.
Wayas was born on May 21, 1941, in Basang, Obudu, Cross River State.
He completed his secondary education at Dennis Memorial Grammar School in Onitsha before moving to the United Kingdom to study at Higher Tottenham Technical College in London.
The former Senate President also attended Birmingham’s West Bromwich College of Commerce, Science, Technology, and Aston University.
Wayas was the third Senate President from 1979 to 1983, when the region was snuffed out by a coup that installed then-General Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s head of state.
Wayas was one of the founders of the now-defunct All People’s Party. In 2002, he joined the opposition People’s Democratic Party.
Professor Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River State, has announced the death of Dr Joseph Wayas, the Second Republic Senate President.
Wayas’ death was described as “a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular and Nigeria as a whole” by Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade.
“As a state, Cross River is in pains as we mourn the passing of our illustrious son,” Ayade’s special adviser on media and publicity, Christian Ita, said.
“He was a rare gem. Dr Wayas’ demise is indeed a monumental loss to our dear state and Nigeria.”
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 expressed his condolences to Dr Wayas’ family, assuring them that his death is a collective loss and that their grief is shared, adding, “we are with you in this time of grief.” We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.”
