Senators paid glowing tributes to the late Second Republic Senate President Joseph Wayas during plenary.
Dr. Wayas died on November 30, 2021, at 80.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who led the valedictory session in honour of the late Wayas, gave an overview of his earthly journey.
Bamidele said the late Wayas was born at Basang, Obudu, in Cross River State on May 21, 1941.
“He attended Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha. He went to the United Kingdom where he studied at the Higher Tottenham Technical College, London; the West Bronwich College of Commerce, Science and Technology, Birmingham and Aston University.
“Returning to Nigeria, he worked as a manager from 1960 to 1969 for several companies in Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK).
“He also joined the Federal Government between 1969 and 1972. He was Commissioner for Transport in the South-Eastern State, now Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, from 1972 to 1974.
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“With the transition to civil rule in 1979, Senator Wayas was elected to the Senate on the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) platform and appointed Senate President.
“He represented the Ogoja Senatorial District alongside Senator Joseph Ansa who represented Calabar Senatorial District.”
In his tribute, Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa) said that Wayas, during his lifetime, gave his very best.
“He had an opportunity to preside over the chamber in the second republic, an assignment he carried on with dignity to the best of his abilities.”
Also, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro said: “Wayas was homely, amiable and was all smiles every time.
“He was a very committed Nigerian. He presided over the Senate when Nigeria was struggling to get her foothold on democracy and procedures of democracy.
“Aside the founding fathers of democracy in Nigeria, Wayas was the founding father of the new generation of democrats at that time.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recalled that Wayas brought glamour and candour to the legislature.
The body of the former Senate President, who died in a London hospital, was brought to Nigeria on July 10, this year, after over two years in a UK morgue.
He is due for burial in Cross River State tomorrow, three years after his demise.