JUST IN: Senate Mourns Death of Rivers South-East Senator Barinada Mpigi

The Senate was plunged into mourning on Thursday following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East and chaired the Senate Committee on Works.

A National Assembly source confirmed that Mpigi passed away at the age of 64 after a brief illness.

Until his death, Mpigi served in the 10th National Assembly, overseeing federal road infrastructure and related projects through his role as chairman of the influential Committee on Works.

He began his political career in the House of Representatives, first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2016, before moving to the Senate in 2019 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

During the 9th Assembly, Mpigi chaired a joint Senate committee investigating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, a critical role amid declining oil revenues and rampant pipeline vandalism.

News of his passing reached the Senate chamber during Thursday’s budget defence session, casting a sombre mood over lawmakers.

Senator Mohammed Onawo of Nasarawa South paid tribute during a session of the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, calling on colleagues to honour Mpigi’s memory. Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in his honour.

“May his gentle soul rest in peace,” Onawo said.

Tributes also came from the House of Representatives. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, posted on X: “Good night, my dear friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada. Sen Mpigi represented Rivers South East in the Senate.”