The late Dr. Joseph Wayas, a former Senate President of Nigeria who passed away in November 2021 in London, will be given a state burial on November 30, 2024. This was confirmed by Dr. Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee for the burial, during a press conference held on Thursday in Calabar.
Dr. Enamhe revealed that both the Federal Government and the Cross River State Government have jointly agreed to hold the funeral ceremony at UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar. The decision reflects the importance of honoring Dr. Wayas’ contributions to Nigeria’s political history.
Dignitaries, including former Heads of State and past Senate Presidents, have confirmed their attendance at the event. Following the ceremony in Calabar, Dr. Wayas’ remains will be taken to his hometown in Bassang, located in the Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, for final interment.
The Office of the Senate President has confirmed it will oversee the transportation of Dr. Wayas’ remains from the National Hospital in Abuja to Calabar. Senator Godswill Akpabio, the current Senate President, has expressed his deep respect for Dr. Wayas by personally committing to these arrangements.
“Senator Akpabio’s willingness to honor Dr. Wayas by arranging transportation of the remains from Abuja to Calabar and then onward to Bassang speaks volumes about his respect for the legacy of this great national icon,” Dr. Enamhe stated during the press conference.
Gill Nsa, the Chief Media Aide to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, explained why the state burial will take place in Calabar rather than Dr. Wayas’ hometown in Bassang. According to him, many of the dignitaries attending the funeral, including former presidents, Senate presidents, and governors, are elderly and may face difficulties traveling to Bassang by road.
“To accommodate their health and convenience, the decision was made to hold the main funeral in Calabar,” Nsa said. However, the traditional interment in Bassang will follow shortly after the Calabar ceremony.
Remembering Dr. Joseph Wayas
Dr. Joseph Wayas was a significant figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. He served as Senate President from 1979 to 1983 during the Second Republic. Known for his leadership and advocacy for democracy, he played a key role in shaping the legislative process in the country. His contributions earned him respect across political lines, making his burial a national event.
The upcoming state burial will not only celebrate his life and legacy but also bring together leaders from across the nation to pay their final respects.
