By ThankGod Inalegwu
The Senate on Tuesday suspended plenary in honour of the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly and died on February 19, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, who expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the lawmaker at the age of 64.
Bamidele explained that the suspension of plenary was in line with the Senate’s long-standing parliamentary tradition of honouring departed colleagues who served the nation with dedication and integrity.
According to him, the late Mpigi was widely respected for his humility, accessibility and steadfast commitment to the welfare of his constituents.
“Senator Mpigi was widely admired for his humility, accessibility, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of his constituents,” Bamidele said, noting that the late lawmaker made significant contributions to legislative work and public service.
Following the motion, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased before adjourning plenary until Wednesday, March 11, as a mark of respect for his service to the legislature and the nation.
Earlier in his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while welcoming senators back from a short break for the 2026 budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), described Mpigi’s death as a painful loss to the chamber.
Akpabio said the late lawmaker’s passing had left a significant void in the Senate and among colleagues who worked closely with him.
“Senator Mpigi was a patriot whose years of service in the National Assembly were marked by dedication to the welfare of his constituents and loyalty to the ideals of democratic governance,” Akpabio said.
He further described the late senator as a man of calm strength and cooperative spirit, whose commitment to the legislative process remained unwavering throughout his tenure.
“In mourning his departure, we are reminded once again of the fragility of life and the enduring value of service to one’s people,” the Senate President added.
Akpabio also extended condolences on behalf of the Senate to the family of the late lawmaker, the government and people of Rivers State, and particularly the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District whom Mpigi served with diligence and pride.