The loss of Barinada Mpigi, the senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, has been characterized by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike as a loss to 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.”
After a brief illness, Senator Mpigi passed away last Thursday at the age of 64.
In a statement released in London on Thursday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who led the group of Rivers State leaders who visited Senator Mpigi’s wife, Mrs. Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and her children, pledged to support the family and make sure the deceased received a dignified funeral.
Alongside the Minister were 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, expressing sympathy to Senator Mpigi’s wife and kids. In reality, Sergeant Awuse, Chief OCJ Okocha, and Chief Ferdinand Alabraba would have attended, but their advanced age prevented them from doing so. Before you go back home, we were requested to visit you.
We all know that one day we will go and meet our maker, but I’m not sure where to begin. That’s the important part. However, no one is certain when it will happen.
“Your husband has tried, I am aware of that. He truly have the strength to solve any issue. Additionally, you, as a strong woman, provided him with the support he needed.
“You are aware of our tight relationship with your spouse, especially mine. Your spouse and I served together as council chairman. A powerful cornerstone in Rivers State politics was your husband.
None of us are unaware of Barinada Mpigi’s impact. He is your friend when he says so. You don’t need to go ask anyone if Bari will reconsider his decision to work with you if he says he won’t. He sticks with his pals no matter what. We truly need your husband to be here at this time, which is quite regrettable. But we are unable to challenge God.
“God knows better than me, but I had assumed he would overcome it.” Nothing we say now can make Bari return. Indeed, 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 have the belief that anything is possible.
“God gives and God takes.” Just as 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 emotionally, pledging to support the family. We shall never forget Bari.
We shall be there for you; as I have stated, it is our own loss. We’ll do our part to make sure he has a proper funeral.
“On behalf of the leaders of Rivers State, we urge you to stay strong and have courage.”
Patricia Mpigi, the deceased’s wife, responded by stating, “I thank you for your presence and support,” and thanked the Minister for always supporting the family. I’m at a loss for words. I appreciate everything you’ve done.