The late Joseph Wayas, a former Senate President, has been repatriated to Nigeria for burial, marking the culmination of a two-year and nine-month process following his passing.
Joseph Wayas, who served as Senate President from October 1, 1979, to December 31, 1983, passed away on November 30, 2021, at the age of 80, in a London hospital. His wife also passed away 12 days after his demise.
After his wife's burial, Wayas's remains remained in a London morgue, sparking various reactions. Speculations arose that his body had been secretly interred in London, but it has now been returned 33 months later.
Upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4:30 am, his body was received by his family, friends, and dignitaries from Cross River North Senatorial District, including Senator Jarigbe Agom, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Johnny Agom, SAN, and Dr. Dom Cklaimz Enamhe. The body was then transported to the National Hospital, Abuja.
Senator Jarigbe Agom and Hon. Peter Akpanke expressed their relief and happiness at the return of Wayas's body, while the late wife's family, though grieving, also expressed their appreciation for the efforts made to facilitate the repatriation.
Following the deaths of the late politician and his wife, the government of Cross River State, led by then-Governor Ben Ayade, established a committee headed by former Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, to oversee the burial arrangements. To support the committee's work, Ayade allocated and released an initial sum of N200 million, with a promise of an additional N50 million.
Efforts were made to repatriate the remains, including the release of N100 million to a sub-committee led by former NDLEA Director General, Dave Ashang. However, these attempts proved futile, leading some individuals from Cross River North Senatorial district to form a volunteer group, "Who is Who in Northern Cross River," to take up the responsibility of ensuring the timely repatriation and dignified burial of Wayas.