- His first wife died 12 days later and was subsequently buried, but Wayas’s remains had stayed in a London morgue, causing controversy
The body of the late Senate President Joseph Wayas has arrived in Nigeria nearly three years after his death.
Wayas, who served as Senate President from October 1, 1979, to December 31, 1983, passed away in a London hospital on November 30, 2021, at the age of 80 following a prolonged illness.
His first wife died 12 days later and was subsequently buried, but Wayas’s remains had stayed in a London morgue, causing controversy.
His body was transported from Heathrow Airport in London via British Airways 083 and arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 4:40 am (local time).
Jarigbe Agom, Peter Akpanke, family members, kinsmen, and other stakeholders received his remains and deposited them at the morgue in the National Hospital, Abuja.
Speaking to journalists, Jarigbe thanked the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, for facilitating the repatriation of the late Senate President from London. He expressed confidence that the governor would ensure a befitting burial for the elder statesman.
The lawmaker also thanked the leadership of the stakeholders for their collaborative effort and support.