Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has commiserated with the family of Nigeria’s former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas over his demise, describing his death as a monumental loss to the nation.
Wayas, who was Nigeria’s third Senate President during the Second Republic, died at a London hospital at the age of 80 after a protracted illness.
Bello, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, also condoled the Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade; the Government and good people of the state over the death.
The governor described the late Senate president as a dynamic lawmaker; a quintessential democrat and a strong believer in true federalism as the only solution to Nigeria’s democratic problems, adding that he contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country through various roles he played during his lifetime.
He recalled that Wayas among other many other positions he held, was Deputy Chairman of the 1994/1995 National Constitutional Conference Commission that organised and midwifed the National Conference itself.
Bello said Nigerians will not forget the significant impacts of the former lawmaker and his contributions to deepening Nigeria’s democracy and progress in a hurry, saying, he had left indelible footprints for the coming generation to follow.
He prayed Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest and fortitude for his family and loved ones to bear the loss.
Also, Governor Bello has sent his heart felt condolences to the Obaro of Kabba, His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Owoniyi over the passage of his father, Pa Timothy Owoniyi.
Pa Owoniyi, aged 90, died after a brief illness on Friday at Ile-Ife, Osun State where he lived for 65 years.
In a condolence message, Bello described the late Pa Timothy Owoniyi as a great man and responsible father who ensured good training and upbringing of his children as could be attested to by the virtue of the illustrious progenitors he has bequeathed the state and nation today.
The governor, while commiserating with HRM, Obaro of Kabba over the demise, urged him to take solace in the fact that Pa Timothy Owoniyi lived a very good life of service to humanity and died at the ripe age of 90.
He said for Pa Timothy Owoniyi to have attained such an age, leaving behind, 11 children and great grand children, it should be more of celebrations of life than that of mourning.
Bello said the late nonagenarian would no doubt be sorely missed for his fatherly counsel.
He prayed God to grant the soul of Pa Timothy Owoniyi eternal rest and fortitude for the Royal father and other members of the family fortitude to bear the loss.
