Senators pay tribute to former senate president Joe Wayas who passes away at the age of 80

FORMER senate president Senator Joseph Wayas who presided over the National Assembly during the Second Republic has suddenly passed way at the age of 80 at his home on the Cross River State capital Calabar.

Senator Wayas, who was in office between 1979 and 1983, has attracted tributes from across the nation with one of his predecessors Senator David Mark, leading the commiserations. Incumbent senate president Senator Ahmed Lawan, also commiserated with the government and people of Cross River State, friends and political associates of the late elder statesman.

He 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 and 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."

Senator Mark added: "Senator Wayas was a great nationalist. He was a parliamentarian per excellence and 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.”

Former deputy senate president Senator Ike Ekweremadu, described Senator Wayas as a veteran of the Nigerian legislature and key player in Nigeria’s constitutional development. Similarly, a former Enugu State governor  Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, described Senator Wayas as a pathfinder who believed in the sanctity of the ballot as a vehicle for electing leaders at all levels.