Barinada Mpigi, the senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, passed away. Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said the loss was felt by the entire nation as well as the Ogoni people of Rivers State. He called the late senator “a dependable ally who stood by his friends, even during trying times.”
Last Thursday, Senator Mpigi passed away at the age of 64 following a brief illness.
Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, made a statement in London on Thursday. The FCT Minister, who led the delegation of Rivers State leaders who visited Senator Mpigi’s wife, Mrs. Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and her children, pledged to support the family and make sure the deceased received a fitting funeral.
Jordan and Joaquin, the minister’s two sons, Martin Amaewhule, the speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Senators Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh, and Olaka Nwogu, as well as Aaron Chukwuemeka, Felix Nweke, Kenneth Chikere, and Hon. Dum Deekor, joined him.
Wike expressed his condolences to Senator Mpigi’s wife and kids, saying, “We are here as a delegation sent by the leader of Rivers State.” Actually, Sergeant Awuse, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and Chief OCJ Okocha would have attended, but they were unable to do so due to their advanced age. We were asked to visit you before you went back home.
“We all know that one day we shall undoubtedly go and meet our maker, but I’m not sure where to begin. What is important is that. However, no one is certain when it will occur.
“Your husband has made an effort, I am aware. He had the strength to solve every issue that arose. Additionally, you, as a powerful woman, provided him with the backing he needed.
We were all very close to your husband, especially myself, as you are aware. Together with your husband, I served as council chairman. Your spouse was a powerful figure in Rivers State politics.
Nobody among us is unaware of Barinada Mpigi’s influence. If he claims to be your friend, then he is. There’s no reason to go ask Bari if he will reconsider his decision to work with you if he says he won’t. In good times and bad, he sticks by his pals. We truly need your husband’s presence during this time, which is quite regrettable. However, we cannot doubt God.
“God is wiser than me, yet I had assumed he would triumph. Today, nothing we say will be able to bring Bari back. The day Bari is lowered is actually when we will know he is no longer with us, I was telling one of our friends. As of right now, some of us continue to believe that everything is possible.
God provides and God receives. As we pray for God to grant us the fortitude to endure this irreversible loss—which affects not only the Ogoni people of Rivers State but also Nigeria overall—I think He will give you all the strength.
In an emotional tone, the Minister pledged to support the family, saying, “We will play our own part.” No one will forget Bari.
It is our personal loss, as I have stated, and we shall remain with you. We shall fulfill our responsibilities to guarantee that he receives a dignified funeral.
“On behalf of Rivers State’s leaders, we urge you to stay resilient.”
The deceased’s wife, Patricia Mpigi, responded by stating, “I thank you for your presence and support,” and thanked the Minister for always supporting the family. I can only express my gratitude. I appreciate all that you have done.
