The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has described the late former president of the Senate, Dr. Joseph Wayas as firm believer of federalism.
He also said the late Wayas worked hard to uphold the unity of the nation .
Mustapha disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federal, Willie Basset.
The statement was titled, “SGF mourns death of Dr. Joseph Wayas”
It read, “The SGF mourns the death of the former President of the Senate, Dr. Joseph Wayas, who died on Tuesday 30th November, 2021, in a London hospital.
“Late Dr. Joseph Wayas was a Second Republic President of the Senate from 1979 – 1983. He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly between 1977- 1978 as well as a member of the National Political Reform Conference from 2005 -2006.
“SGF describes Dr. Wayas as an astute politician, a firm believer in federalism, who worked hard to ensure oneness and indivisibility of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.He laments that he died at a time his wise counsel would be needed at this point of the nation’s history.
He commiserates with the Government and the people of Cross River State, his immediate family and political associates and prays to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.”
Also, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and the incoming National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyiochia Ayu, have expressed grief over the death of Second Republic Senate President, Joseph Wayas.
Wayas, was said to have died in London after a brief illness at the age of 80.
Atiku in a statement titled: ‘Joseph Wayas was a consummate politician and democrat, detribalized Nigerian,’ from the Atiku Media Office, in Abuja, on Thursday, described the late Wayas as a consummate politician and democrat, and a detribalized Nigerian.
The former Vice President said the late elder statesman contributed immensely to the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria and will, forever be remembered as one who served the country well and served his people with passion.
Atiku was quoted as saying, “The legacy of his political beliefs and triumphs will be important footnotes in the literature of Nigeria’s government and politics for generations yet to come,”
He prayed to God to grant the family of the late politician as well as the government and people of Cross River State the fortitude to bear the loss.
