Prominent indigenes of Cross River North Senatorial District have so far raised over N135 million to bring back the body of Second Republic Senate President, late Dr Joseph Wayas.
This was disclosed by the President of Basang Nation, Wayas’ immediate ancestral community, Sylvanus Anyawho.
He said the community has made appeals to the Nigerian Senate and the Cross River State government, to no avail.
Anyawho expressed unhappiness that both federal and state governments have ignored them, corroborating the position of the paramount ruler of Obanliku LGA, Amos Item.
Anyawho, who is also leader of 8th executive council of Basang Development Union, said in an interview, “We have raised money. We have collectively shown that burial of the former Senate President is our priority.
“We have appealed to the Nigerian Senate. We have led delegation to our state government. We are patient.
“Why should the state ignore the collective wish of its people? Why?”
He threatened that their next action might be to lead a protest.
“Infact, the next option will be protest,” he said.
Wayas died at 80, following protracted illness in a London hospital, on 30 November 2021.
The government of Prof Ben Ayade was reported to have released N200 million to a funeral committee to facilitate the movement of the body back to Nigeria as well as organise the funeral.
Controversy plagued the committee, leading to the resignation of key members. The situation was further compounded by family issues.
Huge debt owed the morgue managers forced them to block access to Wayas’ remains.
However, a prominent citizen of the state based in London, one Mr Afen Agaji, reportedly stepped in and facilitated identification and sighting of Wayas’ body.