November 01, (THEWILL) – About three years after his demise, the Cross River State government announced the funeral obsequies of former Senate President Joseph Wayas.
The government made the announcement through a burial committee constituted for the purpose of the burial.
Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, the Secretary, Central Planning Committee for the burial of the Late Dr Joseph Wayas and convener of Who is Who in Northern Cross River Forum, announced the obsequies on the government’s behalf.
According to him, “The funeral has been slated for 30th November, 2024, and will take place in his community in Basang, in Northern Cross River.
“We invite all who admired and respected Dr Wayas in honouring his life, legacy and contributions to our country.
“This is time to reflect on his remarkable journey, to celebrate his accomplishments and give thanks for the indelible impact he made on Nigeria and Cross River State”, Dr Enamhe said.
He debunked speculations surrounding the corpse of the former Senate President, saying his family has confirmed his remains.
He also said the committee paid a verification fee in the United Kingdom and confirmed the remains belonged to the former Senate President before bringing them back to Nigeria.
Dorn Enamhe thanked the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for “his steadfast will and determination in ensuring that the story of our Late Senate President concluded in a manner befitting his legacy.”
He also thanked the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for “his invaluable support and commitment to the noble cause.”
He, particularly, thanked Senator Akpabio for “his willingness to honour Wayas by arranging transportation of the remains from Abuja to Calabar and then onwards to Obanliku.
“This speaks volumes about his respect for the legacy of this great icon and his dedication to the cause of national unity and respect for our heroes”, he said.
Late Wayas served as Nigeria’s Senate President between October 1, 1979, and December 31, 1983, and died in a London hospital on November 30, 2021, aged 80.
Following his death and due to protracted family complications, his corpse remained in the United Kingdom until the intervention of the present state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
The governor, alongside a non-governmental organisation, “Who is Who in Northern Cross River State Forum” and some individuals, successfully repatriated his remains to Nigeria.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
