Governor Bassey Otu
By Anietie Akpan
Cross Riverians have thumbed up the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu for facilitating the return of the remains of the former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas,
Dr Wayas had passed away in London about three years ago after a protracted illness but previous government of former Governor Ben Ayade could not bring back his remains due to one problem or the other.
However, barely a year in office, Gov Otu working in consonance with some concerned Cross Riverians cleared all bottle neck and ensured that the remains of Dr. Wayas, an elder statesman, finally arrived in Nigeria.
His corpse was received in the early hours of Wednesday, July 10, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by leaders from the state and members of the Who is Who in Northern Cross River Movement.
Dr. Wayas died in November 2021 in a London hospital after a protracted illness and despite efforts by the previous administration to repatriate his remains, the process was hindered by various obstacles. However, the determination of the Who is Who in Northern Cross River movement and Gov. Bassey Otu, has finally brought the former Senate President home.
Thanking the governor for facilitating the return of the remains of Dr. Wayas, the Convener of the Who is Who Forum of Northern Cross River, Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, said “the contributions of Governor of Cross River State His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu cannot be quantified in the successfully repatriation of Late Sen. Wayas corpse to Nigeria…in short it is the reason why we successfully repatriated the body”.
Enamhe, said “it was Governor Otu who gave instructions for the two committees, the Who is Who Forum of Northern Cross River and the government committee to come together, add their resources and facilitate the smooth realization of the repatriation of the body of Senator Joseph Wayas former Senate President. Please let no one play politics with this”.
He stated that It is also on record that all issues around the burial have been resolved by the personality of the Governor who sponsored a team to the Uk to bring the corpse backHe stated that t is also on record that all issues around the burial have been resolved by the personality of the Governor who sponsored a team to the Uk to bring the corpse back
He recalled, “when our team met with the Governor two days ago he was more briefed than us because he was in touch with Johnny Agim SAN who was the one the Governor sent to the Uk and Echiko Odey who was in charge of issues around the Uk , beyond always speaking with Miss Donna Wayas first daughter of Dr Wayas”.
The Forum frowned at “people trying to play politics with everything. The Who is Who Forum of Northern Cross River is a non governmental, apolitical community based organization that abhors politics”.
Similarly, another prominent son of the state, Inyali Peter, Ph.D, equally extended gratitude to Governor Otu for bringing Pa Wayas home the journey to repatriate him was not without its challenges.
He said “many doubted the possibility of success, given the frustrations faced by previous attempts. the commitment of all parties involved, particularly Gov. Otu who united the Who is Who committee with the government committee and directly engaged diverse stakeholders including the National Assembly leadership, Nigeria High Commission in the U.K, the London Hospital.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Gov. Otu for his instrumental role in clearing this shame from all of us. I also commend the efforts of the convener of the Who is Who in Northern Cross River, Sir Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Kanu Agabi, SAN, Reps. Peter Akpanke and all those who contributed to this progress.
“The successful repatriation of Dr. Wayas remains is a prove that with determination and right leadership, no obstacle is insurmountable. Those who were involved in this issue that was increasingly becoming a national embarrassment know that the arrival of his remains in Nigeria is a momentous occasion that has ended a long and challenging journey”.
