Mpigi’s death a loss to Niger Delta, says PANDEF
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) yesterday paid glowing tributes to late Rivers Senator, Barinada ‘Barry’ Mpigi, 64, describing his death as a monumental loss to the region and the
- Peterside, community mourn Senator
- From Wakemi Dauda, and Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) yesterday paid glowing tributes to late Rivers Senator, Barinada ‘Barry’ Mpigi, 64, describing his death as a monumental loss to the region and the country.
In a statement by its spokesman, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the group noted that the late Senator rose to prominence at a critical time when the region needed experienced leadership to address issues of marginalisation and development.
Mpigi represented Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for two terms before his election to the Senate in 2019. He was re-elected in 2023 and served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works until his death last week.
PANDEF said he earned respect across party lines and ensured that Rivers South-East Senatorial District benefitted from his representation.
Also mourning Mpigi, a former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, described Mpigi as a committed public servant and grassroots politician whose contributions to Rivers State and the Niger Delta would remain notable.
Peterside extended condolences to the family, constituents and colleagues of the deceased at the National Assembly.
In Koroma Tai community, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, residents expressed shock and grief over the senator’s death in a London hospital.
Community leaders said Mpigi had been widely regarded as a leading political figure from Ogoni, with some describing him as a potential governorship aspirant ahead of 2027.
The Chairman of the Community Development Committee in Koroma Tai, Pyenee Ayirikakebi, said the community lost a key political voice and benefactor. He recalled that Mpigi began his political career as a council chairman and later served as a commissioner, attracting projects and empowerment programmes to the area.
Ayirikakebi and other residents cited his role in youth empowerment, scholarships and infrastructure support across parts of Ogoniland, including Tai, Khana, Gokana and Eleme. They said his death had created a vacuum in the community.
The family confirmed that the senator died in a London hospital and said further details about funeral arrangements would be announced later.
