The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has led a delegation of prominent Rivers State leaders to London to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Barinada Mpigi, describing his death as a significant loss to Rivers State and Nigeria.
Mpigi died last Thursday at the age of 64 after a brief illness.
In a statement issued in London by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the late lawmaker as “a dependable ally who stood by his friends, even during trying times.”
Wike, accompanied by his two sons, Jordan and Joaquin, visited the widow, Patricia Mpigi, and her children ahead of their return to Nigeria. He said the delegation was sent by Rivers leaders to personally convey their condolences, noting that some elder statesmen were unable to make the trip due to age.
Speaking during the visit, Wike described the late senator as a strong pillar in the politics of Rivers State and a loyal ally.
“There is nobody among us who does not know the impact of Barinada Mpigi. When he says he is your friend, he is your friend. He stands with his friends through thick and thin,” he said.
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He commended the late senator’s resilience during his illness and praised his wife for her support, adding that his death was an irreparable loss not only to the Ogoni people and Rivers State but to Nigeria as a whole.
The minister assured the family of continued support and a befitting burial.
“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,” he said.
Responding, Patricia Mpigi thanked the minister and members of the delegation for their support and presence during the family’s time of grief.