Gov Ayade Creates Committee To Plan Joseph Wayas’ Burial

A 17-man committee has been constituted by Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River to plan the state burial for the late Second Republic Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Christian Ita, made this known in a statement on Monday,  where he revealed that the central planning committee will be headed by Sen. Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Amongst those selected is the state’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Evara Esu, who is the alternative chairman, and would, in conjunction with the family of the late Wayas, fix a date for the burial.

Some prominent Nigerians including former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, featured in the list of committee members released by the government of Cross River.

Ayade had described Wayas’ death as a “monumental loss” to the state and Nigeria at large.

“He was a rare gem. Dr Wayas’ demise is indeed a monumental loss to our dear state and Nigeria at large.

“As Senate President, Dr Wayas contributed to the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic ethos through his robust and vibrant leadership of the upper legislative chamber.

“And since his retirement from active politics, the former Senate President had been playing a fatherly and stabilising role in the politics and affairs of our state,” he stated.

The late Senate President died in a London hospital at the age of 80 on November 30, 2021.

He was the president of the senate during the administration of late President Shehu Shagari between 1979 and 1983.