By Philip Yatai
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the death of Sen. Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, as a “huge loss” to the Ogoni people of Rivers and the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mpigi died on Feb. 19 at 64, after a brief illness.
Wike, who led leaders of Rivers on a condolence visit to the family in London on Thursday, described Mpigi as a “dependable ally”, who stood by his friends in trying times.
The minister, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, promised to stand by the family and ensure a befitting burial for the deceased.
He told the wife of the late senator that the delegation of Rivers elders were in London to commensurate with the family for the irreplaceable loss.
“I don’t know where to start from but one thing all of us know is that certainly, a day will come that we will go and meet our maker – when it will be, nobody knows.
“You know how close all of us were to your husband, particularly myself. I was council chairman with your husband, and we have been together. Your husband was a strong pillar in the politics of Rivers.
“There is nobody among us that does not know the impact of Barinada Mpigi. When he says he is your friend, he is your friend. If Bari says he is not going to work with you, you don’t need to go and ask anyone whether he will change his mind.
“He stands with his friends through thick and thin. It is very unfortunate that this is the period we really need your husband to be around but we can’t question God,” he said.
The minister, who noted that ‘God gives and God takes’, prayed that God would give the family and his friends the strength to bear the irreplaceable loss.
He promised not to abandon the family saying: “We will play our own part. We will not forget Bari.
“Like I have said, it is our own loss, we will be there with you. We will play our roles to ensure that he is accorded a befitting burial.
“On behalf of the leaders of Rivers, we say take heart and remain strong.”
He apologised on behalf of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chief Onueze Okocha and Sergeant Awuse, who could not travel due to their age.
Responding, the wife, Mrs Patricia Mpigi, thanked the minister for always standing by the family saying, “I thank you for your presence and support.
“All I can say is thank you. Thank you for all you have done”.
The minister was accompanied by his two sons, Jordan and Joaquin, Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, Sen. Magnus Abe, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh and Sen. Olaka Nwogu.
Others are Rivers Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Aaron Chukwuemeka, Mr Felix Nweke, Mr Kenneth Chikere and Mr Dum Deekor. (NAN)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma
