Former Nigerian Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has expressed condolences over the passing of the 2nd Republic Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas.
Previously, it was reported that Dr Wayas passed away aged 83 on Thursday, December 2.
Mr Anyim said in a statement he signed that the ex-Senate President was “an outstanding leader and a committed statesman, patriot and bridge builder until his death”.
“Dr Joseph Wayas was a charismatic and strong moderating influence in the 2nd republic,” the statement continued.
“Despite 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.
Mr Anyim said that he was the one who gave “the 2nd republic character and sense of direction” due to his “maturity, candour and panache”. He claimed that Nigeria would miss him especially his “wise counsel and deep perspective on issues of national importance”.
“The death of Dr Joseph Wayas is a huge loss not only to his immediate family and cross river state but indeed Nigeria as a whole,” Mr Anyim said.
Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi has also expressed his condolences through a statement made public by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the immediate and extended family as well as associates of the late Dr Wayas and pray that God grant him eternal rest,” Mr Fayemi said.
