After 32 months in a London mortuary, the body of former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, arrived Abuja on Wednesday.

Born on May 21, 1941, Wayas was Nigeria’s Number three citizen in the Second Republic.

He was only next to the President, Shehu Shagari, and Vice President Alex Ekwueme.

The 80-year-old politician died on November 30, 2021 in a London hospital, following a protracted illness and the body was left in the morgue since then because of a family crisis.

But the remains arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday about 4:40 a.m. aboard British Airways Flight 083 from Heathrow Airport, London.

The body was received by the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Jarigbe Agom, a member of the House of Representatives, Peter Akpanke, family members and other stakeholders.

Family members, politicians, aides, followers, friends and associates could not control their emotions as the body was being taken from the airport to a morgue.

Senator Jarigbe expressed appreciation and thanked the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, for facilitating the return of the body from London, adding that he is confident that the governor will give the former elder statesman a befitting burial.

He declared that the issues that caused the delay in flying in the body from London “have been sorted out finally”.

Also at the airport were Dr Doncklaimz Enamhe, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Jonny Agim, SAN, Hon Cletus Obun, and others.

They all proceeded to sign the condolence register at the Wayas’ Asokoro residence in Abuja.