Senator Barinada Mpigi, the lawmaker representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, has passed away at the age of 64.
The late senator reportedly died on Thursday following a brief illness. As of the time this report was filed, details surrounding the exact cause and location of his death had not been officially made public. However, family members have confirmed the sad development and are said to be in mourning.
Unverified reports suggest that Mpigi had travelled abroad for brain surgery after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. These claims, however, have not been independently confirmed.
Until his passing, Mpigi was known to be a close associate of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
A native of Tai Local Government Area in Rivers State and of the Ogoni ethnic nationality, Mpigi previously served two terms in the House of Representatives, where he represented the Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency.
He was a member of both the 9th and 10th Senates and remained in office in the current assembly until his death.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity described the news as deeply shocking.
“We are shocked by this news. I am short of words and don’t even know what to say. We are in pain,” the source said.