Joseph Wayas, who was Nigeria’s senate president in the Second Republic has today, Thursday, in a London.
He died in a London hospital after a protracted illness. He was aged 80.
Wayas was born in Basang, Obudu, Cross River State on May 21, 1941 and had his secondary school education at Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha before he went to the United Kingdom where he studied at the Higher Tottenham Technical College, London.
The former senate president also attended the West Bromwich College of Commerce, Science and Technology, Birmingham and Aston University, Birmingham.
Ways served as third Senate President in 1979 to 1983 before the administration was truncated by a coup that installed the then General Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s head of state.
Wayas was a founding member of the now-defunct All People’s Party. He later joined the Peoples Democratic Party in 2002.
The announcement of his death was made by Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, describing it as “a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular and Nigeria as a whole”.
He said further- “As a state, Cross River is in pains as we mourn the passing of our illustrious son.”
The statement was signed by Ayade’s special adviser on media and publicity, Christian Ita.
“He was a rare gem. Dr Wayas’ demise is indeed a monumental loss to our dear state and Nigeria,” he said.
He condoled with Dr Wayas’ family, assuring them that his demise is a collective loss and the pains a shared one, adding, “we are with you in this moment of grief. We have you in our hearts and prayers” .