Former Senate President in the Second Republic, Joseph Wayas is dead.

The death of Joseph Wayas, was announced by Governor Ben Ayade’s spokesman, Christian Ita on Thursday.

According to the governor, Joseph Wayas gave up the ghost in the early hours of Tuesday in a London hospital.

Ayade said the late politician has left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for a long time, describing the death of the 80-year-old as a monumental loss to the state and Nigeria.

He, however, condoled with the family of Wayas and said his death is a “collective loss and the pains a shared one”.

The statement reads: “As a state, Cross River is in pains as we mourn the passing of our illustrious son. He was a rare gem. Dr Wayas’ demise is indeed a monumental loss to our dear state and Nigeria,” Ayade was quoted as saying.

“As Senate President, Dr Wayas contributed to the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic ethos through his robust and vibrant leadership of the upper legislative chamber.

“And since his retirement from active politics, the former Senate President had been playing a fatherly and stabilising role in the politics and affairs of our state.”