Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the late Senator Barinada Mpigi as “a dependable ally” whose death is a profound loss not only to the Ogoni people and Rivers State, but to Nigeria as a whole.
Wike made the remarks in London on Thursday while leading a delegation of Rivers State political leaders on a condolence visit to the family of the late senator, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District. Senator Mpigi died last Thursday at the age of 64 after a brief illness.
The delegation visited his widow, Mrs. Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and their children, ahead of their return to Nigeria.
“He Was a Strong Pillar in Rivers Politics”
In an emotional address to the family, Wike said the visit was undertaken on behalf of Rivers State leaders.
“We are here as a delegation sent by the leader 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 loss, the minister added:
“I don’t know where to start from, but 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.”
He praised the late senator’s resilience during his illness and the support of his wife.
“I do know that 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.”
Recalling their longstanding relationship, Wike said:
“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.”
He described Mpigi as fiercely loyal.
“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.”
“We Cannot Question God”
Wike admitted he had hoped the senator would recover.
“It is very unfortunate that this is the period we really need your husband to be around. But we can’t question God. I had thought that he would overcome it, but God knows better. There is nothing we can say today that can bring Bari back.”
He added:
“In fact, I was telling one of our friends that the day we will know that Bari is no longer with us is when he will be lowered. Up till now, some of us are still having that belief that anything can happen.”
Describing the loss as irreparable, the minister said:
“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.”
Promise of Support and Befitting Burial
Wike assured the family of continued support and pledged that the late senator would be honoured appropriately.
“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.”
Responding, Mrs. Patricia Mpigi expressed appreciation for the visit and support.
“I thank you for your presence and support. All I can say is thank you. Thank you for all you have done,” she said.
Members of the delegation included 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 other political figures and associates.
The condolence visit underscores the late senator’s enduring influence in Rivers politics and the deep ties he maintained across the state’s leadership.
