The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has led a high-powered delegation of Rivers State leaders to London to pay their respects to the family of the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 64.
In an emotion-laden visit to the Senator’s widow, Mrs Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and her children on Thursday, the Minister described the late legislator as a “dependable ally” and a “strong pillar” whose influence extended far beyond his senatorial district.
Senator Mpigi, who represented the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, succumbed to a brief illness last week. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr Wike noted that the Senator’s death was a monumental loss not only to the Ogoni people but to the entire Nigerian federation.
“When he says he is your friend, he is your friend,” the Minister remarked. “He stands with his friends through thick and thin. If Bari says he is not going to work with you, you do not need to ask anyone whether he will change his mind. It is very unfortunate that this is the period we really need your husband to be around, but we cannot question God.”
Mr Wike reflected on their long-standing relationship, noting that they had served together as local government council chairmen and remained close throughout their political careers.
The delegation led by the FCT Minister included a broad spectrum of the Rivers State political leadership, underscoring the late Senator’s standing within the state’s hierarchy. The Minister was accompanied by:
Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Senators Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh, and Olaka Nwogu.
Ambassador Aaron Chukwuemeka, Rivers State PDP Chairman, some members of the House of Representatives namely: Hon. Dum Deekor, Hon. Felix Nweke, and Hon. Kenneth Chikere. The Minister’s sons, Jordan and Joaquin Wike, were also part of the delegation.
The Minister explained that elder statesmen such as Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chief OCJ Okocha, and Sergeant Awuse were unable to make the journey due to their advanced age, but had sent their deepest sympathies through the delegation.
Assuring the family of continued support, the Minister promised that the political leadership of Rivers State would take an active role in the funeral arrangements to ensure the deceased is accorded a burial befitting his status and service to the nation.
“We will not forget Bari,” Wike stated. “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 her response, Mrs Patricia Mpigi expressed her profound gratitude to the Minister and the delegation for their presence and unwavering support during the family’s time of grief.
Senator Barinada Mpigi’s career was marked by his fierce advocacy for his constituents and his steadfast loyalty to his political camp. As the region prepares for his final rites, he is remembered as a man of conviction who significantly shaped the contemporary political landscape of Rivers State.
Leave a comment