“Governor Bassey Otu Orders Repatriation of Late Senate President Joseph Wayas’ Remains from UK to Nigeria”
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has issued a directive for the repatriation of the remains of former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas, from the United Kingdom to Nigeria. Wayas, who passed away three years ago in a UK hospital after a prolonged illness, has had his remains in a London morgue since then.
A concerned group called ‘Who Is Who in Cross River North Senatorial District,’ led by Dr. Dorm Clemz Ehamhe, took the initiative to raise funds to clear accumulated mortuary and other fees and repatriate Wayas’ body back to Nigeria for burial.
Wayas served as Senate President during the administration of late President Shehu Shagari from October 1979 to December 1983.
Following meetings between the concerned group and the governor, Governor Otu directed that the funds raised for this purpose be consolidated. He commended the group for their unity in ensuring a dignified burial for Wayas in his hometown of Bassang community in Obanliku Local Government Area of the state.
Expressing gratitude to the governor for his support, Ehamhe expressed hope that the funeral would soon take place in Wayas’ native community. He confirmed that efforts were underway to finalize the repatriation process and announced that the date of arrival of Wayas’ body back to Nigeria would be communicated soon.
Ehamhe urged patience and cooperation from all stakeholders involved in the repatriation process. He acknowledged the support received from former governors, members of the ‘Who Is Who in northern Cross River,’ and other individuals in the state, while also highlighting the understanding and support from members of Wayas’ family.
The efforts to repatriate Wayas’ remains reflect the collective commitment of various stakeholders to honor and give a fitting farewell to the late Senate President.