A former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON, has described a late Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, as one who gave the Second Republic Senate a sense of direction through his leadership.
The PUNCH had reported that Wayas died on Tuesday in an unnamed hospital in London, the United Kingdom.
In a statement on Friday, Anyim said the late Wayas remained a bridge-builder until his death adding that his death was a huge loss to Nigeria.
The statement reads, “I have received, with deep regrets, the sad news of the passing of Dr Joseph Wayas. Dr Joseph Wayas was an outstanding leader, who served Nigerians in the high office of President of the Senate at a very young age, and remained a committed statesman, patriot and bridge builder until his death.
“Dr Joseph Wayas was a charismatic and strong moderating influence in the 2nd Republic. Despite his youthful age, Senator Wayas led, with distinction and decorum, a senate that had very influential personalities and foremost professionals from the 1st Republic and the period of the military interregnum.
“His maturity, candour and panache gave the Senate of the 2nd Republic character and sense of direction. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and deep perspectives on issues of national importance.
“The death of Dr Joseph Wayas is a huge loss not only to his immediate family and Cross River State but indeed to Nigeria as a whole.
“I pray that the Almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest in His bosom. May the Lord comfort, uphold and protect his family and grant them the strength and courage to bear this huge loss.”
Credit: PUNCH