The Nigerian Senate has been thrown into mourning following the death of Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South East Senatorial District. He was 64.
The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, confirmed the development, disclosing that the lawmaker died after a battle with cancer. His passing has sent shockwaves across the National Assembly and Rivers State, where he was regarded as a dedicated public servant.
Until his death, Mpigi served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works in the 10th Senate. He was known for his active participation in legislative debates and contributions to national development, particularly in matters relating to environmental governance and public policy.
The late senator had reportedly been ill for several months, a situation that kept him away from legislative duties before his death.
Mpigi, who was closely aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, a move that reshaped political alignments within Rivers State.
His death marks the fourth serving senator to die since the inauguration of the 10th Senate, deepening concerns within the legislative community.
Before his election to the Senate, Mpigi was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2011. He went on to serve two terms in the Senate, spanning the 9th and 10th Assemblies.
