The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led a delegation of senior Rivers State political figures to London to condole with the family of the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, describing his passing as a profound loss to both the state and the nation. Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, died last Thursday at the age of 64 after a brief illness.
In a statement released on Thursday by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister paid tribute to the late lawmaker, calling him “a dependable ally who stood by his friends, even during trying times.” Accompanied by his sons, Jordan and Joaquin, Wike visited the widow, Patricia Mpigi, and her children ahead of their return to Nigeria.
The delegation included the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule; Senators Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh, and Olaka Nwogu; Rivers State PDP Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka; and lawmakers Felix Nweke, Kenneth Chikere, and Dum Deekor. Wike explained that they were sent by Rivers State leaders to personally deliver condolences, noting that elder leaders who wished to attend could not make the trip due to age.
Reflecting on life and mortality, the minister remarked, “A day will come when we will go and meet our Maker. But when it will be, nobody knows.” He praised Senator Mpigi’s courage during his illness and commended his wife for her unwavering support, noting, “He really was very strong to overcome whatever the problem was. And you, as a very strong woman, gave him the necessary support.”
Wike also recalled their shared political journey, describing Mpigi as a major force in Rivers State politics whose contributions and steadfastness will be remembered by colleagues, constituents, and the wider political community.
