The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi as a monumental loss to the Ogoni people, Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Wike made the remarks during a condolence visit to the late senator’s family in London, where he led a delegation of prominent Rivers State leaders to sympathise with his widow, Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and their children.
Senator Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, died last week at the age of 64 after a brief illness.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister praised the late lawmaker as a steadfast ally and a pillar of Rivers politics.
“We are here as a delegation sent by the leader of Rivers State,” Wike said, noting that some elder statesmen were unable to make the trip due to age.
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the deceased, Wike said he shared deep political and personal ties with Mpigi, dating back to their days as council chairmen.
“Your husband was a strong pillar in the politics of Rivers State. When Bari says he is your friend, he is your friend. He stood with his friends through thick and thin,” he said.
Wike expressed shock over the senator’s passing, admitting that many close associates had hoped he would recover from his illness.
“It is very unfortunate that this is the period we really need your husband to be around. But we cannot question God. God gives and God takes,” he added.
The FCT Minister assured the family that the Rivers political leadership would stand firmly with them and ensure the late senator receives a befitting burial.
“We will not forget Bari. It is our own loss. We will play our roles to ensure he is accorded a befitting burial,” he pledged.
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 from the state.
Responding, the widow of the late senator, Patricia Mpigi, expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity.
“I thank you for your presence and support. All I can say is thank you for all you have done,” she said.