Senate Holds Valedictory Session To Honour Late Joseph Wayas

The Senate, on Thursday, held a valedictory session to honour former Senate President Joseph Wayas, three years after his passing on November 30, 2021, at the age of 80.

Wayas, who represented the Calabar Senatorial District, served as Senate President under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) from 1979 to 1983 during Nigeria’s Second Republic.

Senators paid glowing tributes to Wayas during the session, describing his leadership as exemplary and his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy as significant.

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

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

Born in 1941 in Basang, Cross River State, Wayas was educated in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. His career spanned public service and politics, including serving as Commissioner for Transport in the former South-Eastern State before being elected to the Senate.

During his tenure as Senate President, Wayas played a pivotal role in legislative activities and political reforms. He was a staunch advocate for constitutional development and federalism, later serving as Deputy Chairman of the 1994/1995 National Constitutional Conference Commission.

To fully honour Wayas, the Senate suspended other legislative items on the order paper, including discussions on the 2024–2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper.

Senators hailed Wayas as a “grassroots politician” who remained dedicated to his constituents and Nigeria’s democratic progress. His death was described as a profound loss to the nation, particularly to Cross River State.

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