The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the sudden death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday, Governor Fubara described the late lawmaker as a brother, a consummate politician and one of the leading lights of Rivers State politics, whose demise came at a critical time when his experience and services were still greatly needed by the state and the nation.

The governor said Mpigi’s death was a painful loss not only to his family and constituents but also to the entire political class in Rivers State, noting that the senator had distinguished himself through dedicated public service and unwavering commitment to the development of his people.

Governor Fubara prayed God Almighty to grant the late senator eternal rest and comfort all those he left behind. He also commiserated with Mpigi’s immediate family, the Rivers South East Senatorial District and the Nigerian Senate, urging them to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life marked by positive impact on society.

“Senator Mpigi was a committed leader who devoted his life to public service and the advancement of Rivers State. His contributions will remain indelible in the hearts of the people,” the governor said.

Senator Mpigi, who was 64 years old, died in London on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. While his death has been confirmed by close associates and family sources, the cause of death has not been officially disclosed as of the time of filing this report. Reports, however, suggest that he passed away after a brief illness.

Born on June 23, 1961, Mpigi’s political career spanned over a decade in Nigeria’s federal legislature. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2011, representing the Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency. He was re-elected in 2016 and later moved to the Senate in 2019, where he won the Rivers South East seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In the Senate, Mpigi emerged as a prominent voice on infrastructure development, serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, where he played a key role in the oversight of major federal road and construction projects across the country. He also previously chaired a joint Senate committee that investigated crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, contributing to national efforts to curb economic sabotage in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

At the state and local government levels, the late senator also left a notable footprint, having served as the pioneer Chairman of Tai Local Government Council in the current democratic dispensation.

The Senate is expected to formally announce his passing on the floor and observe official mourning procedures in his honour in the coming days, as arrangements for burial and further official tributes are awaited from his family.

Senator Barinada “Barry” Mpigi is survived by his family and a legacy of public service.