As the remains of Nigeria’s former Senate President Joseph Wayas was laid to rest at Sankwala his hometown in Obanliku local government area of Cross River State, some Nigerians have paid tribute describing him as a firm believer of a united country.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu eulogized the late Wayas as a patriotic citizen committed to the unity of the country and peace building with an indelible record of commitment to public service.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, urged Nigerians, particularly the political elites, to emulate the virtues of the late former Senate President.
Also, the Governor of Cross River State, southern Nigeria, Bassey Otu, who pledged to uphold the legacy of the late Senator Wayas, noted that the deceased was committed to a united Cross River State and the country until his demise.
Otu described the departed as a monumental loss to the state and nation, saying “It is not merely about the duration of one’s life but the profound influence one has in their era.”
“On behalf of Cross River State, we pay tribute to you for placing us on the national stage. We shall forever cherish your accomplishments and strive to follow in your footsteps,” he said.
Also, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. Elbert Ayambem in a tribute described the former Senate President as “an iconic leader, patriot and elder statesman. Dr. Joseph Wayas was a towering figure in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“He served as Senate President during the Second Republic with wisdom, humility and dedication to unity and progress. He set a standard for leadership that continues to inspire us all. As we mourn this great loss, let us honour his legacy by striving for a Nigeria built on justice, equity and progress the vision he so passionately worked towards.”
Present at the funeral service in honour of former Senate President Wayas were the immediate past governor of the Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, Senator John Owan-Enoh as well as serving members of the national assembly.
Service of Songs
Meanwhile, the three day funeral ceremony was preceded by a service of songs held at the U. J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
At the event, the Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio consoled with the bereaved family, urging them to embrace peace, love and unity in order to sustain the legacies of their late patriarch.
Senate President Akpabio stated, “Now that the government of Cross River has taken the bull by the horns to bring his remains to touch this land, this should be the beginning of unity, peace and true love in that family so that truly we can all honour the legacies Wayas left behind.
“Wayas sterling qualities would continue to inspire generations yet to come because as a Commissioner for Transport in the South Eastern State from 1972 to 1974, he showed signs of a man, who has the physical and mental preparedness to liberate the people of this country,” Akpabio said.
It would be recalled that the former Senate President, Wayas died at the age of 80 in London on November 30, 2021.
The late Wayas served as Nigeria’s Senate President in the former Nigerian President Shehu Shagari administration between 1979 and 1982 under the umbrella of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
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