Title: Wike Leads Rivers Delegation to London to Condole Mpigi Family, Hails Late Senator as Loyal Ally Date Published: 26 February 2026 Description: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the late senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Barinada Mpigi, as a dependable ally whose death is a major loss to Rivers State and the nation at large.Senator Mpigi, aged 64, passed away last Thursday after a brief illness.Speaking in London on Thursday, Wike led a delegation of Rivers State political leaders on a condolence visit to the senator’s wife, Mrs. Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and her children. The visit, according to a statement by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, was to formally convey the sympathy of Rivers leaders and reassure the family of their support.Wike said the late senator’s death was not only a painful loss to the Ogoni people and Rivers State, but also to Nigeria, describing Mpigi as a steadfast friend who stood by his allies in both good and difficult times.The FCT Minister assured the family that the Rivers leadership would stand by them and work to ensure that the late senator is given a befitting burial.He was accompanied on the visit by his sons, Jordan and Joaquin; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule; Senators Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh and Olaka Nwogu; Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Aaron Chukwuemeka; as well as Felix Nweke, Kenneth Chikere and Hon. Dum Deekor.Addressing the bereaved family, Wike said the delegation was sent by the leadership of Rivers State to identify with them before their return home, noting that some senior leaders could not travel due to age-related constraints.Reflecting on life and death, the Minister said while death is inevitable, its timing remains known only to God, adding that Senator Mpigi fought bravely and had the unwavering support of his wife throughout his illness.Wike recalled his long-standing relationship with the late senator, dating back to their time as local government council chairmen, describing Mpigi as a strong pillar of Rivers State politics whose word and loyalty were unquestionable.“When Bari says he is your friend, he is your friend,” Wike said. “He stood by his friends through thick and thin. It is painful that this is a time when we truly needed him, but we cannot question God.”In an emotion-laden moment, the Minister said many still found it difficult to accept the senator’s passing, stressing that his absence would only fully sink in at his final interment.Promising continued support, Wike said, “We will play our own part. We will not forget Bari. This is our loss, and we will be there with you to ensure he is accorded a befitting burial.”Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs. Patricia Mpigi thanked the Minister and the Rivers delegation for their presence and consistent support, describing their visit as a source of strength during a difficult time. Attached Images: 13802d76a9e32b5da43aa603a161bc4d2b82d6d4a9c2cba0b121d58ca18392e6.jpg, dfea4cc5b608c5babb3c58e113a654fe6276a8fd28fd18aa1fcdce4e8964d871.jpg, eea30a3372390d5c76b0463cf5e84a85bd424ebbf6e308dcb8d4e488c121dfac.jpg Attached Video: None