By Chika Joseph
Nigeria’s political landscape has been shaken by the death of Barinada Mpigi, the senator representing the Rivers South-East Senatorial District. He passed away at the age of 64 following a brief illness, marking the end of a distinguished legislative career that spanned both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
His death creates a significant political vacuum in Rivers State and at the federal level, where he played a strategic role in infrastructure oversight and constituency development.
Senator Mpigi was widely regarded as a grassroots politician with strong ties to his constituency. Before joining the Senate, he served two terms in the House of Representatives, building a reputation for accessibility and constituency-focused projects.
He later emerged as a key figure in the National Assembly, where he represented the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
As a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mpigi remained influential in Rivers State politics, particularly in navigating the complex political dynamics within the state.
At the time of his death, Mpigi was Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, a powerful committee responsible for oversight of federal road infrastructure and public works.
Under his leadership, the committee handled critical matters related to:
Federal highway projects
Infrastructure funding and monitoring
Oversight of works-related agencies
National road rehabilitation initiatives
His role placed him at the center of Nigeria’s infrastructure policy discussions, especially at a time when road development remains a key national priority.
Tributes have poured in from political leaders across Rivers State and beyond. Governor Siminalayi Fubara described Mpigi as a committed public servant and a stabilizing force in the state’s political structure.
Colleagues in the Senate have also acknowledged his legislative contributions, describing him as measured, experienced, and deeply committed to public service.
With his passing, the Rivers South-East Senatorial seat becomes vacant. According to Nigeria’s electoral laws, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to conduct a bye-election to fill the seat.
The development may trigger:
Heightened political activity in Rivers State
Strategic repositioning within party structures
Fresh alignments ahead of future electoral cycles
Given Mpigi’s influence, the contest to replace him is expected to attract significant attention.
Beyond party politics, Senator Mpigi will be remembered for his longevity in legislative service and his advocacy for infrastructure development. His political career reflects the trajectory of a lawmaker who rose through the ranks and maintained relevance across multiple electoral cycles.
As Rivers State mourns, many observers agree that his absence will be strongly felt both within the Senate and in his constituency.
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