The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday led prominent political leaders and associates to receive the remains of late Senator Barinada Mpigi at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Senator Mpigi, who represented Rivers South East Senatorial District and served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, died in London on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 64.
The FCT Minister had earlier travelled to London where he paid a condolence visit to the widow of the late lawmaker, Mrs Patricia Mpigi, and their children. During the visit, Wike described the deceased as a dependable ally and a strong pillar in Rivers State politics who stood firmly by his friends, even in difficult times.
“You know how close all of us were to your husband, particularly me.
I was council chairman with him, and we have been together. Your husband was a strong pillar in the politics of Rivers State,” Wike said, while assuring the family of his continued support and promising that the late senator would be given a befitting burial.
He noted that Mpigi’s death was not only a loss to the Ogoni people and Rivers State but to Nigeria as a whole, praying that God grants the family and associates the fortitude to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.
Among those who accompanied the minister to receive the corpse were Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule; Senators Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh and Olaka Nwogu; the Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Aaron Chukwuemeka; as well as the minister’s sons, Jordan and Joaquin, among other dignitaries.
Meanwhile, the Gbene Lewangbe Royal Dynasty of Koroma Tai has announced the opening of a condolence register in honour of the late senator.
According to a statement signed by Ven. Dr. G.M. Mpigi, the register has been opened at his Abuja residence, Port Harcourt residence, constituency office and Koroma residence to enable friends, political associates and well-wishers pay their last respects and express sympathies to the family.
The family and the Koroma Tai community expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support, prayers and solidarity received since the senator’s passing, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
