The Nigerian Senate, yesterday, held a valedictory session in honour of the late former President of the Senate, Joseph Wayas, three years after his passing.
 
The Senate, at the session, resolved to fully participate in his burial and send a condolence letter to his family, his constituency, and the Cross River State government.
 
Wayas, who passed away on November 30, 2021, at the age of 80, served as the Senate President during the Second Republic, representing the Calabar Senatorial District.
 
The Upper Chamber observed a minute silence in his memory and suspended other legislative items, including reports on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the confirmation of the Chief of Army Staff to focus solely on the tribute.
  
Moving the motion, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), praised Wayas as a distinguished statesman who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
 
Bamidele recounted Wayas’ life journey from his birth in Basang, Obudu, Cross River State, to his education in the United Kingdom, and his illustrious career in public service.
 
“Wayas was a true believer in democracy, federalism, and good governance,” Bamidele stated, highlighting Wayas’ contributions as the Deputy Chairman of the National Constitutional Conference Commission between 1994 and 1995, and his role as a founding member of the All People’s Party (APP) before joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2001.