President Muhammadu Buhari and former President Olusegun Obasanjo have mourned the passage of Second Republic Senate President, Senator Joseph Wayas, applauding him for his notable contributions to the nation’s democracy.
The late senate president died in the early hours of Wednesday, in a London hospital after a protracted illness at 80.
While Buhari condoled with the family of the late politician, whose “influence and contributions to Nigeria’s democracy remain indelible,’’ Obasanjo described him as a special breed who contributed immensely to the development of the country
President Buhari’s condolence message is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Thursday in Abuja.
He noted the sacrifices of Wayas, who started taking up leadership responsibilities at an early age, turning a Senate President at 38, and remaining vibrant and dynamic in mentoring leaders long after he retired from politics.
The president joined the National Assembly, Government and people of Cross River, his friends and associates in mourning Wayas, believing his legacies would be approximated for posterity.
On his own part, former President Obasanjo noted that the late Senate President lived for the welfare and security of the common man.
Obasanjo, in a statement signed his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Thursday in Abeokuta noted that Wayas would be sorely missed in view of his giant political strides.
He noted that Wayas contributed to the building of the Nigerian nation, starting from his birth place, Bassang, in Cross River to every nook and cranny of the country.
“Dr. Wayas was a special breed who contributed immensely to the development of the country and became a parliamentarian in the second republic.
“He was such a great patriot who had contributed his own quota to the legislative governance and overall development of Nigeria.
“He always pitched its tent with the truth. He maintained a cordial relationship with his colleagues in the Senate and well-groomed in legislative practices and procedures,” he said.
His knowledge of practices and procedures of the senate, according to Obasanjo helped him greatly in running the affairs of the upper chamber of the parliament.
Obasanjo explained that Wayas demonstrated a high level of maturity and level-headedness, saying his disposition towards effective nation building remained unparalleled.
“He lived for the welfare and security of the common man. His passion about a better and safer society was exceptional.
“His steadfastness, commitment to the cause of one Nigeria and optimistic spirit towards national development will continue to inspire us both now and in the future,” he said.
The former president described the death as painful and commiserated with his family, Governor Benedict Ayade, the entire people of Cross River State and all associates of the late statesman.
Obasanjo prayed that the late leader be granted a place among the righteous ones in Paradise.
