Nnamani says Nigeria lost an asset in late Sen. Wayas, as Ekweremadu

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former Governor of Enugu state, Chimaroke Nnamani has described the death of Second Republic President of the Senate, Joseph Wayas as a huge loss to the nation especially the political class.

Reacting to the demise of the elder statesman in a statement he issued yesterday, Sen Nnamani who represents Enugu East in the Senate noted that Wayas was a pathfinder who believed in the sanctity of the ballot as a vehicle for electing leaders at all levels.

The former Governor recalled that as President of the Senate, Wayas demonstrated competence, character and discipline in running the affairs of the upper legislative chamber and by extension the National Assembly.

He noted the honest and robust contributions of Wayas not just to the legislature but in the overall development of the nation.

Sen Nnamani added that Wayas was one of the best and fertile minds that presided over the Nigerian Senate, saying “We have lost a patriot and committed democrat who took the entire country as his constituency”.

He stated that Wayas believed in a fair and just society where no citizen is impeded or inhibited from pursuing his or her legitimate ambition on account of religion, ethnic or tribal leaning.

Sen Nnamani hopes that the slogan of one Nigeria, one destiny and brotherhood no matter the differences in tongue which Wayas espoused during his lifetime would be the guiding light for the present and future generation of Nigerians.

He prayed that God in His infinite mercies grants Wayas eternal rest.

In a related development, former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed sadness over the passing on of Nigeria’s former President of the Senate, Senator Joseph Wayas, describing him as a veteran of the Nigerian legislature and key player in Nigeria’s constitutional development.

Ekweremadu said the elder statesman would be sorely missed.

Reacting to the announcement of the demise of the former lawmaker by the Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, the Senator said: “I received with a deep sense of loss the passing on of elder statesman and Nigeria’s former President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Joseph Wayas.

“This is particularly a grievous loss to the Nigerian legislature and the nation as a whole. He was a veteran and an institutional memory bank of the Nigerian legislature, and a key player in Nigeria’s constitutional development, having Deputy Chairman of the National Constitutional Conference Commission, which midwifed the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference.

“Senator Wayas gave his all to the nation, had a tempering effect on the polity and acquitted himself most creditable as a patriot, pan-Nigerian, and people-vested political icon and leader.

“It is sad that he passed on at this critical juncture in Nigeria’s history when the wise counsels of elders of his status are most needed”

He condoled with the Wayas’ family as well as the people and government of Rivers State over the loss and prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal repose.