…Say his Legacies shall be upheld

By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

Cross River state Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu has disclosed that the state will uphold the legacy of the late former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas who was interred on Saturday at Sankwala in Obanliku Local Government Area of the state.

Gov Otu said that the Wayas’ legacy who died in London on November 30, 2021 would always be remembered.

The governor said, throughout the life time of Senator Wayas, he lived for love and unity of Cross River and Nigeria at large.

He described the former Senate President as a monumental figure whose impact in the state and across the nation remains enduring.

Otu said : “Today, amidst the brightness of the day, we are shrouded in sorrow in Cross River. The passing of the Distinguished Senator Joseph Wayas is a profound loss.

“It is not merely about the duration of one’s life but the profound influence one has on their era.

“On behalf of Cross River State, 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, assuring them that the state would uphold the legacy of love and unity that Wayas epitomized throughout his life.

Simirlarly, President Bola Tinubu who said that late Wayas lived for for unity of the nation, described him as a peaceful man whose public service records remains indelible.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, Tinubu urged Nigerians, particularly the political elites, to emulate the virtues of the late former Senate President.

Nigerians from a walk of life, Including the former governor of the state, Prof. Ben Ayade and Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, Sen. Owan Enoh, graced the occasion.

Recall that the former Senate President’s journey to his final resting place kickstarted Friday with his lying in state at the Senate chamber and the U. J Esuene Stadium in Abuja and Calabar respectively.

During the night of tributes at the U.J Esuene Stadium, the President of the 10th Senate, Godswill Akpabio had urged the bereaved family to eschew peace, love and unity in order to sustain the legacies which the deceased left.

“Now that the government of Cross River has taken the bull by the horns 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 has the physical and mental preparedness to liberate the people of this country,” Akpabio said.

The Former Senate President, Senator Joseph Wayas who died at the age of 80, was the President of the senate between 1979 and 1983.