The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi as a profound loss to Rivers State and Nigeria, paying tribute to him as “a dependable ally who stood by his friends, even during trying times.” Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, died aged 64 on February 19, 2026, after a brief illness. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said he led a delegation of Rivers leaders to condole with the late senator’s family, including his wife, Patricia Mpigi, in London, assuring them of continued support and a befitting burial. The minister was accompanied by his sons, Jordan and Joaquin, alongside the Speaker of the Rivers Sta...