The body of Nigeria’s former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas, who passed away in London in November 2021, will likely be transported by road from Calabar to his hometown of Bassang in Obanliku LGA, Cross River State, a journey lasting over seven hours.
Secretary of the central planning committee for the burial, Dr Dorn Cklaimz announced at a news conference in Calabar that the Federal Government and Cross River State Government have agreed that the burial holds on 30th November 2024 in Bassang.
Cklaimz disclosed that past Heads of State and former Senate Presidents who are alive have confirmed readiness to grace the funeral service which is to hold at UJ Esuene Stadium Calabar, after which the body would be moved by road to his final resting place in Bassang.
He said the Office of the Senate President has confirmed it will freight the remains of Wayas from National Hospital Abuja to UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
Cklaimz disclosed that current Senate President, Akpabio has expressed deep commitments towards honoring one of his predecessors in the state funeral.
He quoted Akpabio as saying that Wayas’ legacies and dedication to the cause of national unity deserve respect from all, especially the Senate leadership.
“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 an helicopter or travel on the very bad roads that lead to 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.