'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured that the Nigerian Senate will play an active role in the burial ceremonies of Dr. Joseph Wayas, a former Senate President. Akpabio gave this assurance while receiving a delegation of Cross River State leaders, led by former Justice Minister Chief Kanu Agabi, on a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The delegation formally invited the Senate to participate in the burial rites of Dr. Wayas, who served as Nigeria’s Senate President from 1979 to 1983 and was the first to emerge from the South-South region.
In his remarks, Akpabio described the late Wayas as a trailblazer and a charismatic leader who left an indelible mark on the Senate’s history.
“I assured them that the Senate would be part and parcel of all the ceremonies because it is a celebration of life, and we will be very delighted, as the 10th Senate, to be part of it,” Akpabio stated.
He emphasized that the Senate, as an institution, values the legacy of its past leaders and will ensure full participation in the ceremonies to honor Dr. Wayas.
Akpabio lauded the delegation's visit, describing it as a mark of respect for the National Assembly. “Your coming is like an icing on the cake. It shows respect to the institution of the National Assembly, and we don’t take that for granted,” he noted.
He further affirmed the Senate’s commitment to working collaboratively with Cross River leaders to ensure the success of the event, describing their visit as an act that strengthened the Senate’s resolve to fully support the burial ceremonies.
Paying tribute to Dr. Wayas, Akpabio described him as a man of style, candor, and charisma who paved the way for leaders from the South-South region. “Dr. Wayas was the first Senate President from Nigeria’s South-South extraction. He was a trailblazer, a man of style, candor, and a charismatic Senate President. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Dr. Joseph Wayas, who passed away in December 2021 at the age of 80, played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s Second Republic. His leadership in the Senate is remembered for its focus on unity, progress, and development.
The Senate’s planned involvement in his burial ceremonies underscores its commitment to honoring the contributions of past leaders and preserving their legacies for future generations.
As preparations for the burial continue, the collaboration between the Senate and Cross River State leaders signals a unified effort to celebrate the life and achievements of a distinguished statesman.
