Calabar, Cross River State – The Planning Committee for the burial of former Senate President, Senator Dr Joseph Wayas, met at the Glass House, Government House, Calabar, on Monday to finalise arrangements for the burial scheduled for November 30, 2024
The meeting was presided over by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, who also serves as the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee (CPC).
Present at the meeting were the Alternate Chairman of the CPC, Justice Maurice Eneji, Sen. Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Sen. Florence Ita Giwa and Sen. Jarigbe Agom (represented by Mr Igbe Aruku) as well as Chief Dr Dorncklaimz Enamhe, who serves as the Secretary of the CPC.
Other attendees were the Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Commissioner for Education, Sen. Stephen Odey, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr Chris Ojikpong as well as Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor/Secretary of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Barr. Fred Abua.
Others who participated in the meeting virtually via Zoom were Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, Sen. Musa Adede, Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong, Mrs Zainab Ibrahim-Bio, and Johnny Agim, SAN.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey praised the committee members for their exceptional support and cooperation towards giving a befitting burial to the late former President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Dr Joseph Wayas.
He noted that preparations are in place to host dignitaries from around the world in Calabar and at the country home of the late former Senate President, as the government remains committed to honouring his legacies with a befitting burial.
Accordingly, the committee announced the burial arrangements as follows:
Saturday, November 23: A Service of Songs will be held at the Assemblies of God Church, Ahmadu Bello Way, Garki, Abuja.
Thursday, November 28: The body will depart the mortuary, with a brief stop at the deceased’s Abuja residence, followed by a valedictory session at the Senate Chambers.
In Calabar, after a brief reception at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, the lying-in-state and a Night of Tribute will take place at the U.J. Esuene Stadium.
Friday, November 29: A Night Vigil will be held at the deceased’s country home in Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area.
Saturday, November 30: Traditional rites and the Church funeral service, followed by interment, will take place at the same venue.