The Nigerian government has abandoned the remains of its former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, who died in a London hospital 14 months ago. The family is yet to organize a befitting burial for him.
The Nigerian Senate has frowned at the continuous stay of his remains in the mortuary, and through a motion moved by Senator Gershom Bassey, declared that the delay in the burial of the former Senate President was embarrassing to the Senate and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The red chamber has called on the Federal Government to urgently evacuate the remains of the deceased from the London Hospital Mortuary for a befitting burial in Nigeria, and for his immortalization. Senator Bassey suggested that the Senate should take over the burial plans of the deceased to save the country from further embarrassment.
Many Senators expressed sadness on the development and called on the Senate to liaise with relevant authorities for a way out. The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said the delay in the burial of former Senate President, 14 months after his death, was very embarrassing to the National Assembly and the Federal Government.
He added that the Joseph Wayas remains’ embarrassment calls for reflection, and he hopes the 10th Assembly will do the needful. Unfortunately, an attempt made last year for Presiding officers of the National Assembly to be given medical support for life by Nigeria was rejected by the Senate during voting on constitution amendments.
It is the duty of the government to ensure that the remains of its citizens are treated with respect and given a befitting burial. It is also imperative to ensure that measures are put in place to avoid similar occurrences in the future