A former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, has expressed deep regret over the passing of another former Senate President, Joseph Wayas.
In a condolence message which he personally signed, Anyim appreciated Wayas as “an outstanding leader who served Nigeria at a young age.”
Anyim, also, noted that Wayas “remained a committed Statesman, patriot and bridge builder until his death.”
The full text of Anyim’s message reads:
“I have received with deep regrets, the sad news of the passing of Dr Joseph Wayas.
“Dr 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 the wise counsel and deep perspectives on issues of national importance.
“The death of Dr 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 loss.”
Wayas, aged 80 years, died in a London hospital on December 2, 2021. He was the Senate President between 1979 and 1983 under the umbrella of the Government of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, headed by the now late President Shehu Shagari.
He was a native of Basang, Obudu, Cross River State.
