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Rivers Senator Barinada Mpigi Dies at 64, bringing to an end a federal legislative career that spanned more than a decade in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, died at the age of 64 following a brief illness.
Ejes Gist News reports that his death was confirmed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, by family sources and government officials in Rivers State.
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Until his death, Mpigi served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, where he oversaw legislative scrutiny of federal road infrastructure and public works projects across the country.
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Legislative Career in the National Assembly
Senator Mpigi’s career at the federal level began in the House of Representatives in 2011. He represented the Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency from 2011 to 2019, serving two consecutive terms.
In 2019, he was elected to the Senate to represent Rivers South-East Senatorial District. He secured re-election in 2023, reinforcing his political standing within Rivers State and the broader South-South region.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Mpigi played a central role in:
- Oversight of federal road construction and rehabilitation projects
- Budget scrutiny for infrastructure allocations
- Engagement with the Federal Ministry of Works and relevant agencies
Colleagues in the National Assembly described him as active in committee proceedings and constituency advocacy, particularly in matters relating to infrastructure development.
Governor Fubara Reacts
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State expressed shock over the senator’s death. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor described Mpigi as “a brother, a consummate politician, and one of the leading lights in Rivers State.
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The governor stated that the late lawmaker’s experience and leadership were still needed, especially at a time of shifting political dynamics in the state.
He extended condolences to:
- The immediate family of the deceased
- The people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District
- Members of the Senate
Political Affiliation and Realignments
Mpigi was a long-time member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was regarded as a prominent voice within Rivers politics. His legislative interventions frequently focused on infrastructure and constituency empowerment initiatives.
In recent political developments, there were indications of a possible alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC), although he remained formally associated with the PDP at the time of his death.
Observers noted that his cross-party relationships positioned him as a bridge figure in Rivers State’s evolving political landscape.
Background and Community Engagement
Senator Mpigi hailed from Tai Local Government Area and belonged to the Ogoni ethnic group in Rivers State.
He was widely known in his constituency for education-focused empowerment programmes. These included:
- Scholarship schemes for undergraduates
- Postgraduate grant programmes
- Support initiatives for youth development
Community leaders in the Ogoni region acknowledged his contributions to expanding access to higher education opportunities for young people.
What His Death Means for Rivers South-East
The death of Senator Mpigi creates a vacancy in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, subject to constitutional and electoral processes governing senatorial replacements.
His passing also marks the exit of a lawmaker who maintained consistent representation at the federal level from 2011 through 2026, spanning both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Further announcements regarding funeral arrangements and legislative proceedings are expected from his family and the leadership of the National Assembly.
