Wali, Nwibubasa, Peterside Pay Tribute To Senator Mpigi

Prominent stakeholders in Rivers State, including philanthropist, Kingsley Wali, convener of Rivers Liberation Movement (RLM), Leloonu Nwibubasa and former director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, have paid tribute to the late senator representing Rivers South-East district in the National Assembly, Senator Barry Mpigi.

Kingsley Wali, in his tribute, which was posted on social media, described Mpigi as a politician, who was not a typical Rivers politician.

Wali said: “Barry Mpigi was a politician, but not a typical Rivers politician. He fought electoral and election battles, and the fierce battles ended at the polling stations and on the polling days.

“For Barry Mpigi, politics was political business, but it was never personal.

“Barry was not a saint, and he never said, acted or suggested that he was. He was friendly and was quick to respond to people who knew him, without needing to prove to you that he was a big man.”

Convener of Rivers Liberation Movement (RLM), Leloonu Nwibubasa, described the death of Mpigi as a great loss to the people of the state.

Nwibubasa said: “Your death is indeed a great loss — particularly at a time when your efforts helped midwife the collective struggle that birthed the Federal University of Environmental Sciences, Ogoni. That achievement alone stands as a lasting legacy of your commitment to our people.

“My deepest condolences go to your immediate family and to the good people of Tai who have lost a worthy son and leader.”

Former NIMASA director-general, Dakuku Peterside, expressed sorrow over Mpigi’s death, describing the late Senator as a committed public servant whose contributions to the development of Rivers State and the Niger Delta would remain indelible.

Peterside said: “Senator Mpigi was a grassroots politician who maintained a strong connection with his constituents and demonstrated dedication to the ideals of representative democracy.