By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Former President of the Senate, David Mark and Senator Chimaroke Nnamani have joined other prominent Nigerians to mourn the passing of a one time Senate President, Joseph Wayas, eulogizing him as a great Nigerian.
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.
Mark, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday December 2, 2021, by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, described the demise of one of his predecessors, Dr Wayas as a sad end of an era.
According to Senator Mark, “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.”
He described him as a flamboyant, vibrant and distinguished 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.
“We shall miss his wise counsel and honest contributions to the issues and welfare of Nigerians.” Mark said.
On his part, the former Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, in his tribute described the death of Senator Wayas as a huge loss to the nation especially the political class.
The former Governor recalled that as President of the Senate, Dr 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 Dr. Wayas not just to the legislature but in the overall development of the nation.
Sen Nnamani added that Dr. 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”.