Wike, Rivers politicians visit Senator Mpigi’s family in London

2026-02-26 - 19:08

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has headed a delegation of senior Rivers State political figures to London to commiserate with the family of the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, describing his passing as a profound loss to Rivers 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 in London on Thursday by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike paid tribute to the deceased lawmaker, calling him “a dependable ally who stood by his friends, even during trying times.” Accompanied by his sons, Jordan and Joaquin, Wike led the delegation to visit the widow, Patricia Mpigi, and her children ahead of their return to Nigeria. Those on 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; as well as Felix Nweke, Kenneth Chikere, and Dum Deekor. Addressing the family, Wike said the team came on behalf of Rivers leaders to personally deliver their condolences. “We are here as a delegation sent by the leaders of Rivers State. Actually, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chief OCJ Okocha, and Sergeant Awuse would have come, but considering their age, they couldn’t. We were asked to come and see you before you return home,” he said. Reflecting on life and mortality, the minister added: “I don’t know where to start from, but one key thing is that all of us know that certainly, a day will come when we will go and meet our Maker. But when it will be, nobody knows.” Wike praised the late senator’s courage during his illness and commended his wife for standing by him. “I do know that your husband tried. He really was very strong to overcome whatever the problem was. And you, as a very strong woman, gave him the necessary support,” he said. Recalling their shared political journey, Wike described Mpigi as a major force in Rivers politics. “You know how close all of us were to your husband, particularly me. I was the council chairman with your husband, and we have been together. Your husband was a strong pillar in the politics of Rivers State,” he stated. He also highlighted Mpigi’s loyalty and firmness of character. “There is nobody among us who does not know the impact of Barinada Mpigi. When he says he is your friend, he is your friend... He stands with his friends through thick and thin. Unfortunately, this is the period we really need your husband to be around. But we can’t question God,” he said. Expressing personal sorrow, Wike said: “I had thought that he would overcome it, but God knows better. There is nothing we can say today that can bring Bari back... Up till now, some of us still have that belief that anything can happen.” Describing the loss as immeasurable, he added: “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 and Rivers State, but to Nigeria as a whole.” The minister assured the family of continued support and pledged that the late senator would be given a dignified burial. “We will play our own part. We will not forget Bari... 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,” he said. In her response, Patricia Mpigi expressed gratitude to Wike and the delegation. “I thank you for your presence and support. All I can say is thank you. Thank you for all you have done,” she said.