Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi, Dies at 64

 Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi, Dies at 64

Grief swept through Nigeria’s National Assembly on Thursday following the death of Barinada Mpigi, the senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works. He passed away at the age of 64 after a brief illness, leaving lawmakers across party lines in mourning.

News of Senator Mpigi’s death reached the Senate chamber during plenary proceedings, where legislators had gathered for ongoing budget defence sessions. The announcement immediately cast a sombre atmosphere over the chamber, with many senators visibly shaken by the sudden loss of one of their colleagues.

Tributes poured in from members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, who described the late lawmaker as a committed public servant and a stabilising figure within the legislature. Lawmakers noted that his passing represents a significant loss, not only to Rivers State but to the National Assembly as a whole.

Until his death, Senator Mpigi served in the 10th National Assembly, where he chaired the influential Senate Committee on Works. The committee plays a critical role in overseeing federal road infrastructure projects and related works across the country. Colleagues said his leadership placed him at the centre of discussions around national development, particularly in the area of transportation infrastructure.

During a session of the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Mohammed Onawo, who represents Nasarawa South, paid tribute to the late senator. He described Mpigi as a hardworking legislator who approached his responsibilities with dedication and humility. Following his remarks, lawmakers were asked to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.

“May his gentle soul rest in peace,” Senator Onawo said, as colleagues bowed their heads in reflection.

Members of the House of Representatives also joined in expressing condolences, recalling Mpigi’s years of service in the lower chamber before his transition to the Senate. They described him as a bridge-builder whose legislative career spanned more than a decade and cut across critical national issues.

Senator Mpigi began his legislative journey in 2011 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 2016, further consolidating his experience in parliamentary work. In 2019, he won election to the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

During the 9th National Assembly, Mpigi was appointed chairman of a joint Senate committee tasked with investigating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. The assignment was widely regarded as crucial at a time when Nigeria was grappling with declining oil revenues, pipeline vandalism, and widespread environmental degradation. Lawmakers said his leadership of the committee demonstrated his commitment to national economic stability.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Mpigi was involved in oversight visits, budget reviews, and policy discussions relating to federal road construction and maintenance. Colleagues said he consistently advocated for improved infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth and national integration.

Tributes also came from outside the chambers of the National Assembly. The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, took to his official social media account to express grief over the loss of his colleague and friend.

“Good night, my dear friend. Rest in peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada,” Alabi wrote, noting the senator’s service to Rivers South-East and the nation at large.

As news of his death spread, lawmakers reflected on Mpigi’s calm disposition, bipartisan approach, and willingness to collaborate across political divides. Many described him as a lawmaker who prioritised national interest over partisan considerations.

Senator Mpigi’s death adds to a growing list of losses within Nigeria’s political class and has once again drawn attention to the health challenges faced by public office holders. While details of his illness were not disclosed, colleagues said his passing was sudden and deeply painful.

He is survived by family members, political associates, and constituents who now mourn a representative they say was accessible and responsive to their needs.

As tributes continue to pour in, the National Assembly is expected to formally announce burial arrangements in collaboration with his family and the government of Rivers State. For now, lawmakers say his legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to public duty will be remembered long after his passing.