Former Senate President Joseph Wayas, is dead

Former Senate President in the Second Republic Joseph Wayas is dead; governor of Cross River State Ben Ayade announced on Thursday.

Wayas reportedly died in a London hospital.

Mr Ayade, in a statement by his spokesman Christian Ita, said Wayas’ death was a monumental loss to the state and Nigeria.

“As a state, Cross River is in pains as we mourn the passing of our illustrious son. He was a rare gem. Dr Wayas’ demise is indeed a monumental loss to our dear state and Nigeria,” Ayade was quoted as saying in the statement.

“As Senate President, Dr Wayas contributed to the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic ethos through his robust and vibrant leadership of the upper legislative chamber. “And since his retirement from active politics, the former Senate President had been playing a fatherly and stabilising role in the politics and affairs of our state.”