Fubara, Southern Senators, Others Mourn Senator Barinada Mpigi

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Southern Senators and other political leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Senator Mpigi reportedly died at the age of 64. Until his passing, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.
In a tribute issued on February 19, 2026, Governor Fubara described the late lawmaker as a brother, a consummate politician and one of the leading lights in Rivers State politics.
The governor said Mpigi’s death came at a critical time when his services were still needed by the people of the state.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passage of Senator Barinada Mpigi,” Fubara said, praying God to grant his soul eternal rest.
He commiserated with the deceased’s immediate family, the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District and members of the Senate, urging them to take solace in the impactful life he lived and the positive contributions he made to society.
Similarly, the Nigerian Southern Senators Forum announced the death of its General Secretary, describing it as a grave loss to the National Assembly, Rivers State and the nation.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, the forum said Mpigi’s passing had created a vacuum within the caucus and the Senate.
Abiru described the late senator as a committed and patriotic legislator who served with dedication, humility and integrity, both in the Senate and during his earlier tenure in the House of Representatives.
“The Forum has lost a dependable colleague and administrator whose contributions strengthened our collective engagements and legislative interventions,” the statement read.
According to the forum, Mpigi played a pivotal role in its activities and discharged his responsibilities as General Secretary with diligence and a strong sense of duty. He was also described as a bridge-builder who worked across party lines to promote democratic governance and development, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, also expressed sadness over the loss, calling it a painful blow to Rivers State and the country.
In a condolence message, Banigo said the news of Mpigi’s death came as a shock, especially to the people of Rivers State who benefited from his years of public service.
She described him as a calm and reliable leader who remained close to his constituents and committed to national development. Banigo urged his family, friends and supporters to take comfort in the legacy he left behind and prayed for strength for those grieving.
Tributes also poured in from various quarters in Rivers State, including leaders and residents of Tai in Ogoni area, who joined in mourning the late senator.
Mpigi was widely regarded as an active participant in Senate debates and committee assignments, steadfast in advocating the interests of his constituents.
As condolences continue to pour in, attention is expected to shift to the constitutional process for filling the vacant Rivers South-East Senatorial seat in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
For now, however, political associates and constituents say their focus remains on honouring the memory of a lawmaker remembered as conscientious, dependable and devoted to national service.