The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that the Senate will play a prominent role in the burial of the late Dr. Joseph Wayas, a former Senate President and a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history. Akpabio made this commitment on Thursday, November 21, when a delegation of Cross River State leaders, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, visited him to formally invite the Senate to participate in the burial ceremonies.
Describing the late Wayas as a trailblazer and a charismatic leader, Akpabio emphasized the Senate’s dedication to honoring his legacy. “We will be very delighted, as the 10th Senate, to be part of it. In fact, we have planned to hold a valedictory session for him on November 28, 2024, and thereafter proceed to Calabar for the Night of Tributes,” Akpabio said. He added that the Senate would be “part and parcel of all the ceremonies,” ensuring the events reflect the respect Wayas deserved.
Acknowledging the delegation’s visit, Akpabio remarked, “Your coming is like the icing on the cake, showing respect to the institution of the National Assembly. Even if you didn’t come, we would still have been there, but this visit has strengthened our resolve.”
Earlier, Chief Kanu Agabi appealed to the Federal Government to take over the burial arrangements for Wayas, noting that the Cross River State Government had struggled to shoulder the responsibility. Agabi called for immediate intervention, stressing that the protracted delay since Wayas’ death on November 30, 2021, had become an embarrassment.
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“Let the government bury Joseph Wayas. The state government has been struggling with it. Let the Federal Government step in,” Agabi said. He likened the situation to the prolonged burials of historical figures like Marcus Garvey, Mobutu Sese Seko, and even the biblical Joseph, stating, “It is the way of great men.”
Wayas, who served as Nigeria’s Senate President from 1979 to 1983, was the first to hail from the South-South region. Known for his elegance, candor, and commitment to democratic principles, his contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape remain unmatched.
The upcoming ceremonies, including the valedictory session and the Night of Tributes, aim to honor his legacy while uniting political and cultural leaders to celebrate his life and achievements.