The Cable Nigeria News: Wike leads Rivers politicians on condolence visit to late Mpigi’s family in London
Published on: 02/28/2026
By Samuel Akpan
Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Thursday, led a delegation of Rivers politicians to London to condole with the family of Barinada Mpigi, the senator who died on February 19.
Mpigi passed away at the age of 64 after a period of illness.
Wike said the visit was to stand in solidarity with the family in their time of grief and to reassure them that they were not alone in mourning the late senator.
“You know how close all of us were to your husband, particularly me. I was the council chairman with your husband, and we have been together. Your husband was a strong pillar in the politics of Rivers state,” he told Patricia Mpigi, the senator’s wife.
“There is nobody among us who does not know the impact of Barinada Mpigi. When he says he is your friend and will 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.”
Mpigi passed away at the age of 64 after a period of illness.
Wike said the visit was to stand in solidarity with the family in their time of grief and to reassure them that they were not alone in mourning the late senator.
“You know how close all of us were to your husband, particularly me. I was the council chairman with your husband, and we have been together. Your husband was a strong pillar in the politics of Rivers state,” he told Patricia Mpigi, the senator’s wife.
“There is nobody among us who does not know the impact of Barinada Mpigi. When he says he is your friend and will 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.”