Wike Calls for Community Support for the Family of the Late Senator Mpigi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged political allies to exhibit genuine solidarity with the family of the late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi.

He made this appeal on Thursday at a Night of Tribute held in remembrance of the late senator in Port Harcourt, where he underscored that ceremonial expressions of sympathy were inadequate without real commitment to those the deceased left behind.

He observed that Mpigi remained steadfast when many others wavered, playing a vital role in ensuring political stability and legislative efficiency in Rivers State.

Wike also emphasized the late senator’s devotion to the Ogoni community, particularly his influential contribution to the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni.

Additionally, speaking on behalf of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the party’s chairman in the state, Tony Okocha, praised Mpigi as an esteemed and deeply dedicated politician, characterizing his passing as a significant loss to the overall political family.

Similarly, Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of Ireland, Chief OCJ Okocha, SAN, also honored Mpigi, recognizing the late senator’s assistance in the Senate’s endorsement of his ambassadorial appointment.

Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Ferdinand Alabraba, portrayed Mpigi as a voice of reason and a veteran legislative figure who merged conviction with kindness.

“Barry’s passing creates a gap that will be hard to fill. He was modest, resolute in his beliefs, and magnanimous in nature. His existence was a tribute to serving his constituents, Rivers State, and Nigeria,” he remarked.

The event featured numerous other dignitaries who also paid their respects to the late senator.

Senator Mpigi passed away on February 19, 2026, in London at the age of 64.