It is 16 months already, a year and 4 months after the death of Nigeria’s ex-Senate President Joseph Wayas, whose burial is still pending, over alleged logistic and financial setbacks, Nigerian Tribune reports.
Although many have expressed worry over the delay in conducting the burial of the former Senate President, who served during Nigeria’s 2nd Republic.
The family of the late Senate President has in the process had some disagreement with the Cross River Government over funds and handling of the burial, which has caused the current delay, a situation that the Cross River Caucus Of the National Assembly has frowned seriously at.
However, with the reintroduction of the matter at the floor of the Senate while on plenary on Tuesday, it appears that the Federal Government will take over Wayas’ burial.
According to the Cross River State Caucus of National Assembly headed by Senator representing Cross River South, Senator Gershom Bassey, in a statement issued to Newsmen in Calabar on Wednesday, the Caucus has raised a motion on the floor of the Senate which was co-sponsored by Senators Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Sandy Onor of Cross River North and Central respectively, calling on the Federal Government to urgently take over the burial plans of Wayas.
He said the Senate accordingly adopted the motion asking the Federal Government to take over the burial plans and also approved that it should name a national monument after him (Wayas).
“Is not a good commentary on us as a country . Unfortunately to stop this type of embarrassment , attempt made last year for Presiding officers of the National Assembly be given medical supports for life by Nigeria was rejected by us during voting on constitution amendments and this kind of situation at hand now calls for reflection and i hope the 10th Assembly will do the needful.”
The Cross River National Assembly Caucus is asking that Wayas be buried before the end of April 2023.
Similarly, Paramount Ruler of Obanliku LGA of Cross River State, HRM Ernest Item, has also said that he and his council have been embarrassed over the delay and issues surrounding the burial of the former Senate President.
According to sources, the paramount ruler consequently summoned the first son of the former Senate President, Mr Wayas Jnr, and the Basang community (where Wayas comes from) and leaders of the community to explain the reasons for the continued delay. Unfortunately, Wayas Jnr. could not attend the meeting which was postponed indefinitely.
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