Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has said that the state will uphold the legacy of the late former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, in memory of his accomplishments.
Wayas, who was interred on Saturday at Sankwala in Obanliku Local Government Area of the state, died in London on November 30, 2022.
In a speech at the funeral ceremony, Otu said that the Wayas legacy would always be remembered.
According to him, Wayas, throughout his life time, lived for peace and unity of Cross River and the nation at large.
He described the former senate president as “a monumental figure”, whose impact in the state and across the nation remained enduring.
“Today, amidst the brightness of the day, we are shrouded in sorrow in Cross River.
“The passing of the Distinguished Sen. Joseph Wayas is a profound loss.
“It is not merely about the duration of one’s life but the profound influence one has on his era.
“On behalf of Cross River, we pay tribute to you for placing us on the national stage.
“We shall forever cherish your accomplishments and strive to follow in your footsteps,” he concluded.
The governor extended his sympathies to the grieving family, promising that the state would uphold the legacy of love and unity that Wayas epitomised throughout his life.
Also, President Bola Tinubu said that Wayas lived for the unity of the nation and described him as a peaceful man, whose public service records remained indelible.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, urged Nigerians, particularly the political elite, to emulate the virtues of the late elder statesman.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerians from different walks of life, including former Gov. Ben Ayade and Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, Sen. Owan Enoh, attended the ceremony.
Wayas’ journey to final resting place began on Friday with his separate lying in state at the Senate Chambers and U. J Esuene Stadium, Calabar, respectively.
During the night of tributes at the stadium, the President of the 10th Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had urged the bereaved family to embrace peace, love and unity in order to sustain the legacies which the deceased left behind.
“Now that the Government of Cross River has taken the bull by the horn to bring his remains to touch this land, this should be the beginning of unity, peace and true love in that family so that, truly, we can all honour the legacies Wayas left behind.
“Wayas sterling qualities would continue to inspire generations yet to come because, as a Commissioner for Transport in the South Eastern State from 1972 to 1974, he showed signs of a man who had the physical and mental preparedness to liberate the people of this country,” Akpabio said.
NAN reports that Wayas, who died at 80, was the President of the Senate between 1979 and 1982.
He was also among the founding members of the National Party of Nigeria in the late 70s and in 1979 contested for and won the Northern Senatorial seat, and later emerged the Senate President. (NAN)