Three years after the death of Nigeria former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas was announced, his remains have not been committed to mother earth.
This is even as prominent indigenes of Cross River North Senatorial District have intensified efforts to raise money for the burial.
According to report, so far, only N135 million has been realized. This is in an effort to bring back the body of the former Second Republic Senate President, for burial.
This was disclosed by the President of Basang Nation, Sylvanus Anyawho.
Speaking on the development, Anyawho said the Community has made appeals to the Nigerian Senate. And also to the Cross River State Government for assistance, but to no avail.
Anyawho expressed dismay over the abandonment of the former Senate President by both Federal and State Governments. The President of Basang stated that all efforts to call for assistance from the Federal and State Government have been ignored.
But notwithstanding the nonchalant attitudes of the Governments, Anyawho, who spoke in an interview stated the readiness of the Basang Development Union to bury to former Senate President.
He said, “We have raised money and have collectively shown that burial of the former Senate President is our priority.
“We have appealed to the Nigerian Senate and have led delegation to our State Government. We have been patient.
“Why should the State ignore the collective wish of its people? Why?,” Anyawho queried.
The Basang Development Union President, however, threatened that their next action might be to lead a protest.
“Infact, the next option will be protest,” he said.
Wayas died at 80, following protracted illness in a London hospital, on 30 November 2021.
The Government of Prof Ben Ayade was reported to have released N200 million to a funeral Committee. The money was to facilitate the movement of the body back to Nigeria as well as organize the funeral.
However, controversy plagued the Committee, which led to the resignation of its key members. The situation was further compounded by family issues.
“Huge debt owed the morgue managers forced them to block access to Wayas’ remains.
“However, a prominent citizen of the State based in London, one Afen Agaji, reportedly stepped in. He facilitated the identification and sighting of Wayas’ body.
What is not certain in the whole drama, is when the body of the former Senate President will be made to rest in peace.
source: Daily Post
