Senate pays tribute to Wayas in valedictory session

The Senate on Thursday held a valedictory session in honour of former Senate President Joseph Wayas, who presided over the Red Chamber during the Second Republic.

This session marked three years since his death on November 30, 2021, at the age of 80.

During the session, senators paid glowing tributes to Wayas, who represented the Calabar Senatorial District and served as Senate President under the National Party of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983.

His leadership and contributions to democracy were praised as exemplary.

In a motion presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), the chamber resolved to actively participate in Wayas’ burial arrangements and send a condolence message to his family, constituents, and the government of Cross River State.

The Senate also observed a minute of silence in his memory.

Bamidele highlighted Wayas’ life and legacy, noting his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and constitutional development.

Born in 1941 in Basang, Cross River State, Wayas was educated in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with a career spanning public service and politics.

He served as Commissioner for Transport in the former South-Eastern State before his election to the Senate.

As Senate President, Wayas played an instrumental role in legislative activities during the Second Republic and was pivotal in political reforms and constitutional development, including his position as Deputy Chairman of the 1994/1995 National Constitutional Conference Commission.

Following the tributes, the Senate suspended other legislative items on the order paper, including discussions on the 2024–2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, to fully honour the late senator.

Wayas’ legacy as a statesman and advocate for federalism was echoed in the tributes, with senators describing him as a “perfect gentleman” and “grassroots politician.”

His death was seen as a significant loss to Nigeria, particularly to his home state of Cross River.

The session reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to preserving Wayas’ memory and ensuring his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy remain celebrated.