Senate observes a minute’s silence to honour late lawmaker
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed shock and sadness over the sudden death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He was 64.
 
In a tribute, Fubara described Mpigi as a brother, consummate politician, and one of the leading lights in the state, noting that his death came at a critical time when his services were still needed. The governor prayed for the repose of his soul.
 
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, and the Senate, urging them to take solace in the impactful life he lived.
 
Meanwhile, reactions among residents were mixed. While some mourned the senator’s passing and described it as a loss to the state, others said his demise called for sober reflection on leadership and service to the people while they are alive.
 
A resident, Ogolo Siminialaui, alleged that political leaders, including the late senator, contributed to the hardship faced by the masses, adding that death is an inevitable end for all.

THE Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, yesterday, observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Mpigi. Mpigi reportedly died in London.
 
Chairman of the committee, Ogoshi Onawo, called for a minute’s silence at the commencement of the committee’s budget defence session in honour of their late colleague.
 
Until his death, Mpigi served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works and was regarded as a close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
 
The late lawmaker was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 and re-elected for a second term in 2016. In 2019, he was elected Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

News of his death filtered into the Senate chamber during yesterday’s proceedings, casting a sombre mood over lawmakers who had gathered for budget defence sessions.

HOWEVER, Senator Mpigi’s passing adds to a string of recent losses in the Senate. Earlier this year, Senator Okey Ezea of Enugu North died in Lagos after a brief illness. Other members who have passed include Senators Godiya Akwasjiki and Ifeanyi Uba, highlighting a pattern that has left colleagues reflecting on the pressures of legislative service.
 
Veteran lawmakers and observers note that the deaths underscore the intense workload, stress, and health challenges that often accompany service in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
   
Tributes poured in from colleagues across both chambers. The repeated deaths of sitting senators have prompted discussions on better healthcare monitoring, workload management, and support systems for legislators. With the 10th Senate now facing multiple losses in just its early tenure, the nation is left reflecting on the personal costs of public service at the highest levels.