Former Senate President Joseph Wayas To Be Laid To Rest In Cross River State, Two Years After Passing

Arrangements have been finalized for the burial of Nigeria’s former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas, who passed away in London in November 2021.

Dr. Dorn Cklaimz, Secretary of the central planning committee, confirmed on Wednesday that Wayas’ body will be laid to rest on November 30, 2024, in his hometown of Bassang in Obanliku LGA, Cross River State.

Cklaimz explained that after a state funeral service at UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the late statesman’s remains will be transported by road to Bassang, a journey expected to take over seven hours.

The Office of the Senate President has confirmed that it will arrange for the transport of Wayas’ remains from the National Hospital in Abuja to Calabar for the ceremonies.

Current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has expressed deep commitment to honouring Wayas, lauding his contributions to national unity.

“Wayas’ legacies and dedication to the cause of national unity deserve respect from all, especially the Senate leadership,” Akpabio noted.

The funeral will be attended by former Heads of State and past Senate Presidents, who have confirmed their readiness to honour the late Wayas.

“Akpabio’s willingness to honour Dr Wayas by arranging transportation of the remains from Abuja to Calabar and then onward to Bassang community of Obanliku LGA speaks volumes about his respect for the legacy of this great national icon,” Cklaimz said.

However, he was silent on how the body would be moved from Calabar to his final resting place, as the Bebi airstrip in Obanliku LGA has been dysfunctional since 2010.

“The only two options left would be to fly the body in a helicopter or travel on the very bad roads that lead to the northern part of Cross River State”, said a social commentator, Chief Ekpenyong Effiong.

Governor Basset Otu’s chief media aide, Gill Nsa, who also addressed journalists, explained the reasons for holding the funeral in Calabar instead of faraway Bassang in Obanliku LGA.

“Several very senior citizens, including past presidents and governors who are elderly, have indicated that they will personally attend.

“And that the stress of traveling to the Bassang community would tell on their health. We have to respect their position and hold the funeral in Calabar,” he said.

Wayas died in the UK in November 2021 after a lingering sickness. His body was eventually flown to the Abuja National Hospital on 10 July 2024 through the efforts of an association known as ‘Who Is Who In Northern Cross River Forum’, and Governor Bassey Otu.