The final resting place of former Senate President, late Dr Joseph Wayas, a big mausoleum, is still under construction barely two weeks to November 30, 2024, the burial date.
Dr. Dorn Cklaimz, chairman of the mega burial event, told journalists in a news conference in Calabar, Cross River State three weeks ago that all arrangements were set for the burial in Bassang community in Obanliku LGA, adding that the mausoleum was at advance stage of completion.
He had said that other former Presidents and Senate Presidents alive, top politicians and other distinguished figures have indicated interest to honour the former number three man who served from 1979-1983 under late President Shehu Shagari.
Wayas died at age 80 on 30 November, 2021, and his body was left in a London morgue for three years, till July 2024 when the ‘Who Is Who in Northern Cross River’ pulled their resources together to bring back the body.
A visit to the construction site in Bassang community showed that even though some building materials are on site yet work pace is slow.
However, natives of the community were excited that the body of their patriarch would finally be laid to rest.
President of Basang Development Union, Chief Sylvanus Anyawho told DAILY POST exclusively that there was no cause for alarm, assuring that the deadline will be met.
“I was at the site today. Work is at the plastering stage. I saw many workers on site, while some were plastering, others were working on drained gutters and pavement around the main building..
“I saw materials on ground, the entrance door, more than 200 bags of cement and glass windows have been delivered.
“Mausoleum is not roofed but decked. It will have double walls.
“I am confident that they will meet up with the dateline,” he said.
One of the work committee members of the larger funeral committee, who is on ground also disclosed that within the days, a grader will be on site to clear the entire site.
Chief press secretary to Governor Bassey Otu, Gill Nsa had disclosed that a chopper would airlift the body from UJ Esuene Stadium Calabar where the main funeral would be held to Basang community, more than seven hours drive.
Office of the current Senate President, Dr Godswill Akpabio has promised to fly the body from National Hospital Abuja to Calabar Stadium and to Bassang community.
Wayas: Mausoleum not ready less than 2 weeks to burial
