Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has passed away at the age of 64. His death has brought an abrupt end to a political career that spanned several years and saw him play significant roles in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Mpigi reportedly died on Thursday following a brief illness. As of the time of filing this report, official details regarding the exact cause and place of his death had not been publicly disclosed. However, news of his passing has been confirmed by family members and close associates, who are said to be mourning the loss of the seasoned lawmaker.
There were unconfirmed reports suggesting that the senator had been flown abroad for medical treatment after being diagnosed with a brain tumour and was scheduled to undergo surgery. These claims, however, had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.
Until his death, Mpigi served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, a position that placed him at the forefront of legislative oversight on infrastructure development across the country. In that capacity, he was involved in monitoring federal road projects and other public works initiatives, contributing to policy discussions and legislative actions aimed at improving national infrastructure.
The late senator was widely regarded as a strong political ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Their political relationship was considered influential within Rivers State politics and beyond, particularly in shaping alignments within the state’s political landscape.
Mpigi hailed from Tai Local Government Area in the Ogoni ethnic nationality of Rivers State. Over the course of his political career, he built a reputation as a grassroots politician with deep ties to his constituency. Before his election to the Senate, he served two terms in the House of Representatives, representing the Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency. During his time in the lower chamber, he participated in legislative debates and committee work focused on issues affecting his constituency and the Niger Delta region.
He was elected into the 9th Senate and subsequently returned to serve in the 10th Senate, remaining an active member of the National Assembly until his passing. Colleagues and associates have described his death as a significant loss to Rivers State and the legislative arm of government.
The news of his demise has been met with shock and sadness among political associates, constituents, and members of his community. Many have expressed grief over the sudden nature of his passing and reflected on his years of public service.
As tributes continue to pour in, attention is expected to turn toward arrangements for his burial and the constitutional processes required to fill the vacant senatorial seat. His death marks the end of a long-standing political journey and leaves a void in the representation of Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
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