The passing of Barinada Mpigi, the senator for Rivers South-East Senatorial District, has been characterized by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike as a loss for the entire nation as well as the Ogoni people of Rivers State. Wike called the late senator “a dependable ally who stood by his friends, even during trying times.”
Following a brief illness, Senator Mpigi passed away last Thursday at the age of 64.
The FCT Minister, who led the delegation of Rivers State leaders who visited Senator Mpigi’s wife, Mrs. Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and her children on Thursday, pledged to support the family and make sure the deceased received a fitting burial in a statement released in London by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
The Minister was joined by his two sons, Jordan and Joaquin; Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; Senators Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh, and Olaka Nwogu; and Aaron Chukwuemeka, Felix Nweke, Kenneth Chikere, and Hon. Dum Deekor, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State.
“We are here as a delegation sent by the leader of Rivers State,” Wike stated, offering condolences to Senator Mpigi’s wife and kids. Actually, Sergeant Awuse, Chief OCJ Okocha, and Chief Ferdinand Alabraba would have attended, but due to their advanced age, they were unable to do so. We were invited to visit you before to your departure home.
Although I’m not sure where to begin, it’s important to remember that we all know that the day will come when we shall go meet our maker. However, no one knows when it will happen.
“I am aware that your husband has made an effort. He truly has the strength to get past any obstacle. As a strong woman, you also provided him with the support he needed.
“You are aware of how close your husband was to all of us, especially to me. Together with your spouse, I served as the chairman of the council. In Rivers State politics, your husband was a powerful pillar.
None of us are unaware of the significance of Barinada Mpigi. When somebody claims to be your friend, he truly is. You don’t have to go ask anyone if Bari will reconsider his decision to work with you if he says he won’t. Through thick and thin, he remains by his friends’ side. We really need your husband to be here during this time, which is quite sad. However, we are unable to question God.
“God knows better than me, yet I had assumed he would overcome it. Nothing we say now will be able to bring Bari back. Actually, I was telling one of our friends that Bari’s lowering will be the first indication that he is no longer with us. Some of us still hold onto the concept that anything is possible.
“God gives and God receives.” In the same way that we pray for God to give us the strength to endure this irreversible loss—which affects not only the Ogoni people of Rivers State but all of Nigeria—I think He will give you all the strength.
“We will play our own part,” the Minister added in an emotional tone, pledging to support the family. Bari will not be forgotten.
We shall be there with you; as I have stated, it is our own grief. We’ll do our part to make sure he gets a respectable funeral.
“Take heart and stay strong, on behalf of the leaders of Rivers State.”
In response, Patricia Mpigi, the deceased’s widow, expressed gratitude to the Minister for consistently supporting the family, stating, “I thank you for your presence and support.” Thank you is all I have to say. I appreciate everything you have done.
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