Joseph Wayas (late)
By Jon Egie
The smooth Executive/Legislature working relationship that Nigeria’s third Senate President, Senator Joseph Wayas practicalised during the Second Republic is still being implemented to enhance good governance today, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has said.
In a statement expressing his shock and sadness over the transition of the former Presiding Officer in the Red Chamber from 1979 to 1983, Senator Omo-Agege also paid glowing tributes to the late politician for being consistently sensitive to issues of peace, progress and the sustenance of national unity.
“As Senate President, Senator Wayas went to great lengths to ensure that, in the interest of their political party as well as the entire nation, both the Executive and Legislature were on the same page on critical issues before such were brought up at the Senate.
“He was also known for peaceful, patriotic compromise and a lifetime commitment towards working with Nigerians from other parts of the Federation.
“He was an experienced private sector figure who distinguished himself in the public sector, utilising knowledge and experiences gathered abroad to enhance governance in Nigeria.
“As Commissioner for Transport in the old South Eastern state, as a Federal official and as a member of Nigeria’s Constituent Assembly in 1977 – 1979, he consistently worked with others towards resolving critical challenges that impact the lives of citizens.
“Indeed, as we mourn this strong believer in the principles of true Federalism as a mechanism for advancing Nigeria’s democratic growth and development, we must pause to thank God Almighty for his productive life, pray for the eternal repose of his soul and beseech God Almighty to bless the family that he left behind with His enduring grace and mercies,” Senator Ovie Omo-Agege stated.
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