Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation has paid tribute to his late colleague, Sen. Barinada Mpigi, describing him as a “well-cherished political giant” whose loss continues to resonate across Rivers State and beyond.
Distinguished Service Across Levels of Governance
Mpigi, who represented the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 64. In his heartfelt tribute in Abuja on Friday, Nwoko said the news of Mpigi’s death still feels unreal, even a week after the tragedy.
“The passing of Sen. Barinada Mpigi is one of those losses that remains difficult to process. Even a week later, it still carries an air of unreality,” Nwoko said.
He recalled Mpigi’s enduring political relevance, from his tenure as Council Chairman, to service in the House of Representatives, and ultimately in the 10th Senate. Nwoko emphasized that the unwavering loyalty of Mpigi’s constituents was earned through consistent presence, accessibility, and deep connection with the people.
A Bridge Builder Beyond Rivers
Highlighting Mpigi’s integration into his wife’s homeland of Abbi in Ndokwa, Delta North, Nwoko described the late senator as a figure who truly embraced and uplifted the communities he touched.
“He did not merely visit, he integrated… He identified with the community not in words alone but in action – through project executions,” Nwoko said, noting that Mpigi’s approach reinforced communal pride and shared ownership of development.
The senator’s passing, Nwoko said, is a profound loss not just for the Ogoni people of Rivers, but also for Abbi, his family, and Nigeria as a whole.
“He lived as a bridge builder, served as a stabilising force, and was loved in a manner that only true connection can produce. May his memory endure with the dignity he embodied,” Nwoko added.
Mpigi’s distinguished public service and deep connection to his constituencies have been widely celebrated, with both colleagues and constituents mourning the passing of a leader who left a lasting impact on Rivers State and the nation.
