*He never compromised independence of parliment – David Mark
By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said the late Senate President Joseph Wayas served Nigeria with passion, competebce and integrity, even as he commiserated with the family.
This is just as the former Senate President, David Mark, has said that late senator Joseph Wayas, during his tenure as Senate President, did not compromise the independence of the Nigeria parliment, despite when collaborating with the executive arm of government.
In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ola Awonoyi, Lawan also commiserated with the Government and people of Cross River State, friends and political associates of the late elder statesman.
He describes the death of Senator Wayas as a great loss for Nigeria.
“Senator Joseph Wayas was a great lawmaker and political leader who served his country and people with dedication and integrity.
“As the Senate President in the Second Republic, Senator Wayas led the upper chamber with competence and passion. He was a great symbol of his political era.
“He played a significant role as Deputy Chairman of the 1994-95 National Constitutional Conference and took part in many other national assignments”, Lawan said.
In a related development, David Mark, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Paul Mumeh, said his death is a sad end to an era, adding that Senator Wayas was a flamboyant, vibrant and distinguished lawmaker.
In his tribute on the transition of Wayas, Senator Mark described him as a parliamentarian who left his positive footprints in the sand of time.
Senator Mark paid glowing tribute to Dr Wayas for his invaluable contributions especially his solid foundation for democracy and the legislature in Nigeria.
He said:” Senator Wayas was a great nationalist. He was a parliamentarian per excellence. His diligence, honesty and uncommon dedication to the ideals of nationhood remains reference points.
“He brought dignity and respect to the legislature by adhering to the rule of law, separation of power and collaborating with the executive arm of government without compromising the independence of the legislature”.
Senator Mark recalled the wise counsel he received from Dr Wayas while in office as the President of the Senate, adding, “Wayas was always handy anytime we had some knotty issues in the Senate. He called and visited regularly to see how we were fairing.”
His death at this time is a loss to the nation especially the legislature because “We shall miss his wise counsel and honest contributions to the issues and welfare of Nigerians.”
Senator Mark canvassed that the federal government immortalizes Wayas in recognition of his contributions to national development.
He prayed that God grants the deceased eternal rest.
Dr. Wayas was the Second Republic President of the Senate during the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983. Dr. Alex Ekwueme was the Vice President while Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke was the Speaker, House of Representatives.
The death of Dr Wayas indicated that most of the key players of that era have gone to the great beyond. He was the 4th President of the Nigerian Senate.
