Nigeria’s former Senate president, Dr Joseph Wayas, who died in November 2021 in London, would be given State burial on November 30, 2024, the secretary of the central planning committee for the burial, Dr Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe has disclosed.
Speaking in a news conference in Calabar, Thursday, Dr Enamhe said the federal and the Cross River state governments have agreed that the burial holds on that date at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
He said past Heads of State and former Senate Presidents, who are alive had confirmed readiness to grace the funeral service in Calabar after which the body would be moved to his final resting place in Bassang community in Obanliku local government area of the state for interment.
According to him, the Office of the Senate President confirmed it would freight the remains of Dr Wayas from National Hospital Abuja to Calabar.
He said the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio, expressed deep commitments towards honoring one of his predecessors by being present for the state funeral.
“Senator 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,” Enamhe said.
Governor Bassey Otu’s chief media aide, Gill Nsa, who also spoke, explained why the state burial would be held in Calabar, instead of the late Dr Wayas hometown, Bassang.
“Several very senior citizens, including former presidents, Senate presidents and governors who are elderly, have indicated that they will personally attend.
“The stress of traveling to the Bassang community by road would tell on their health. We have to respect their position and hold the funeral in Calabar,” he said.