The family of late Sen. Joseph Wayas have explained why his remains are yet-to-be-buried fourteen months after his death.
Wayas, who was the Senate President during the Second Republic, died in December 2021.
Governor Ben Ayade had inaugurated a funeral planning committee. Kanu Agabi was named chair of the committee.
However, after more than a year, the late Wayas has yet to be laid to rest, according to DailyTrust, because family sources said there was no money to attend to the body and that they could barely cope.
Ntufam Ugbo, the former executive secretary of the National Planning Commission, revealed that he was no longer a member of the committee.
While confirming that Ayade had made funeral arrangements, he revealed that the late Senate President’s first son, Joseph Wayas Jr., had a better explanation for the delay.
He said, “He cannot say he does not have an explanation to give on why the funeral is delayed. He is the first son, so he should be in charge.
Christian Ita, the governor’s Chief Media Adviser, also revealed that the funds for the burial had been released.
“I don’t want to get involved in the matter. Perhaps, the first son is the problem but speak to members of the funeral committee. The governor actually released money for the burial months ago,” Ita told DailyTrust.
Wayas Jr. responded by blaming the funeral committee for his late father’s burial delay. He claimed that he had little to do with the funeral planning committee.
“The funeral is not exactly in our hands but that of the funeral committee. I hear there are issues surrounding the funeral funds. And some members are said to have resigned.
“I cannot go back to the state governor or Federal Government now due to election issues. The governor has done well already,” he added.
Credit: The Nigeria Lawyers