Liyel Imoke pays tribute to Joseph Wayas, former Senate President
Like every other Nigerian, who knew him, I received with shock the news of the death of former Senate President, Joseph Wayas. Death is inevitable, but even in death, Wayas will ever be a colossus. He was an illustrious son of Cross River State and nationalist in all ramifications. He was more than a political figure, but also an embodiment of progressive politics both in governance and politicking. A distinctive man, with a well measured and calm mien. As a politician, Wayas taught us how to be famous, and still be humble and reserved. In the real sense, he was unperturbed about the vagaries of big man show and the paraphernalia of office.
As a true son of Cross River State, he endeared himself to most Cross Riverians, by representing and pushing for a new drift towards clamouring for politics of national unity, and initiating the vibes of cohesive politics. In the build up to the 1979 democratic transition, Wayas railroad then old Cross River State to the national. In like manner, and in subsequent polls, he would later be rewarded with his elections to the Senate, representing Ogoja Senatorial District. Having built political networks across the country; North, West and South, Wayas would at the inception of the 1979 Senate be elected as the Senate President, a great feat for a minority then. His ability to galvanize support across a broad spectrum of Nigerian tribes was remarkably phenomenal.
Wayas was popularly known for building political consensus across the gamut of Nigerian politics, reaching out to allies and non-allies as well. It was not surprising therefore, that he steadily stirred the ship of leadership of the then Senate to global acclaim. Distinguishing himself from the trappings of ego-centric politics; he brought to bear on the nation’s legislative business some sense of decorum, thereby, enriching and expanding the frontiers of parliamentary democracy, specifically under the then President Shehu Shagari’s government.
Critically, Wayas was in a true sense, a democrat in word and action, and was defined by the ethos of nationalism and democratic culture. In many instances, he was not given to duplicity. One could easily figure out where he stood on any national issue. Also, among his co-evals, he was a true party man, and knew ahead on how to navigate the murky waters of party politics. He was more of a nationalist than a clannish individual, spreading his political tentacles far and near. In his death, he remains an institutional legacy, particularly, within the frame of Nigeria’s legislative democracy.
The former Senate President was a firm believer in a united Nigeria, and even extended that rational thinking to Cross River, his home state, shading off all traces of tribalism and embracing a broader approach to statehood and nation-building. He never for a day doubted or disputed Nigeria’s oneness and its lofty position in the comity of nations. To many, he became a symbol of Nigeria’s nationalism, all encapsulated in his landmark contributions to the independence of the legislature, as another branch of government.
Even as Nigeria grapples with the question of restructuring and devolution of powers to the federating units and other components of the Nigerian nation-state, Wayas was far ahead, canvassing for true federalism as a panacea to Nigeria’s chequered crisis of structure and overbearing centralized state. He saw in federalism Nigeria’s hidden treasures capable of unearthing and unbundling her potential to greatness. It’s pathetic that Wayas died at a time Nigeria is unable to restructure herself constitutionally and structurally to prominence. A pathway, he saw for Nigeria to become a real world power of the black race.
Thus, as a founder of the defunct All Peoples Party (APP) in 1998, he would jettison the primordial politics of APP for the nationalist politics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2001, arguing in favour of the imperative of a national party, which the PDP still represents till date as opposed to tribal political parties. Without any equivocation, he had a fierce hatred for authoritarianism and despots, pitching its tent with liberal democracy. He was also close to his roots, and understood quite well the importance of cultural heritage.
As a businessman, well even before his sojourn to politics, Wayas was discreet and transparent, attuned to the detects of business, economic growth and development. Throughout his tenure as Senate President, he pursued these ideologies of economic independence and democratic governance with tact and firmness. Given his wealth of education and exposure then, Wayas definitely prepared for leadership. And he wasted no time in showcasing those innate qualities, developing the concept of collective bargaining and consensus even on party politics.
Wayas had more than a passive love for the black world and her people around the globe. His connection with the late legendary boxer, Muhammed Ali in the United States is a testimony to his conviction of a strong black race. He also had love for his people in Cross River State, from the mountains of Obudu Cattle Ranch down to Calabar. It is such conviction that compelled him to work fervently for Cross River to remain one as state. Despite his often misunderstood antics, he never gave up his belief for a strong and prosperous Nigeria and Cross River State.
To some, death brings forgetfulness; but with Wayas, history will be recalled. Even in death, the late political juggernaut is aware of his place in Nigeria’s history. One which sits in the hearts of men, beyond monuments. It is possible to visit the National Assembly and find Wayas’ photo in the gallery, but his place in our hearts and history is permanent. His curtain might have closed, but his legacies tower above sea level, particularly, in the annals of legislative history.
I therefore send my condolences to the good people and government of Cross River State on the death of former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, his family and close associates. I shared the sober sentiment of this moment and pray for the repose of his soul, as he will be truly missed. Yet, the life of Wayas will ever remain timeless and a beckon of institutional memory in Nigeria’s democratic history.
