Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has ordered the repatriation of the remains of former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas, from the United Kingdom to Nigeria.
Wayas who served as Senate President from 1979 to 1983 passed away three years ago in a UK hospital due to old age-related ailments.
A concerned group, led by Dr. Dorm Clemz Ehamhe, raised funds to clear accumulated mortuary fees to repatriate Wayas’ body for burial in his hometown.
Governor Otu commended the group for their efforts to give Wayas a befitting burial.
Ehamhe expressed gratitude to the governor, hoping for a swift repatriation and burial in Wayas’ native Bassang community, Obanliku Local Government Area, according to Daily Post.
The repatriation and burial plans are underway, aiming to finally lay the former Senate President to rest in his homeland.
“Let me authoritatively confirm that after the meetings of both committees with the governor, he has directed that both committees should harmonize their accounts and mobilize to repatriate the body of our late distinguished leader back home.
“Since then efforts have been ongoing and as at today, I can confirm that it is just a matter of days and weeks that we would return to inform the actual date that the governor, working with the relevant stakeholders in the country, will announce to all as the arrival date of the body back to Nigeria.”
He appealed for all to be patient and accommodating as they work together to achieve the purpose.
According to him, former governors, members of Who Is Who in northern Cross River as well as well meaning persons in the state have been of immense help towards the repatriation of Wayas’ body to Nigeria.
However, he noted that members of Wayas’ family were now very supportive and understanding.
