Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, as a profound loss not only to the Ogoni people and Rivers State but to the entire nation.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Minister Wike led a high-powered delegation of Rivers State leaders to condole with the widow, Mrs. Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and her children in London
The minister, who was accompanied by his sons Jordan and Joaquin, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, Senators Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh and Olaka Nwogu, Rivers State PDP Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, Felix Nweke, Kenneth Chikere and Hon. Dum Deekor, assured the family of unwavering support and commitment to ensuring a befitting burial for the late senator.
Wike, speaking in an emotion-laden tone, conveyed the condolences on behalf of Rivers State leaders, noting that some elder statesmen like Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chief OCJ Okocha and Sergeant Awuse could not attend due to their advanced age.
He said: “We are here as a delegation sent by the leader of Rivers State. We were asked to come and see you before you return home.
“One thing that is key is that all of us know that certainly, a day would come that we will go and meet our maker. But when it will be, nobody knows.
“Your husband has tried. He really was very strong to overcome whatever was the problem. And you too as a very strong woman, gave him the necessary support.
“You know how close all of us were to your husband, particularly myself. I was council chairman with your husband, and we have been together. Your husband was a strong pillar in the politics of Rivers State.
“There is nobody among us that does not know the impact of Barinada Mpigi. When he says he is your friend, he is your friend. If Bari says he is not going to work with you, you don’t need to go and ask anyone whether he will change his mind. He stands with his friends through thick and thin.
“ God gives, God takes. I believe that He will give all of you the strength, just as we pray that God will also give us the strength to bear this irreparable loss, which is not only to the Ogoni people, Rivers State, but to Nigeria as a whole.”
Wike promised the family: “We will play our own part. We will not forget Bari. Like I have said, it is our own loss, we will be there with you. We will play our roles to ensure that he is accorded a befitting burial.
“On behalf of the leaders of Rivers State, we say take heart and remain strong.”
In response, Mrs. Patricia Mpigi expressed gratitude to the minister and the delegation, saying: “I thank you for your presence and support. All I can say is thank you. Thank you for all you have done.”
The late Senator Mpigi was widely regarded as a loyal political figure, a steadfast ally and a dedicated legislator who contributed significantly to infrastructure development through his role in the Senate.
His passing has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum, including the National Assembly and Rivers State leadership.
