The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, led a group of Rivers State leaders to London in a condolence visit to the immediate family of the late senator representing the Rivers South-East senatorial district, Barinada Mpigi.

Mr Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement that the minister described the deceased senator as “a dependable ally who stood by his friends, even during trying times.”

The minister said the senator’s demise was a loss to the Ogoni indigenes of Rivers State and to the entire country.

Condoling with Mr Mpigi’s wife, Patricia, and their children, Mr Wike promised to stand by the family and ensure a befitting burial for him.

“I do know that your husband has tried. He really was very strong to overcome whatever was the problem. And you, too, as a very strong woman, gave him the necessary support,” the minister said.

The minister described Mr Mpigi as a strong pillar in Rivers State politics, who was well-known and respected for his resolute decisions.

“You know how close all of us were to your husband, particularly me. I was the council chairman with your husband, and we have been together. Your husband was a strong pillar in the politics of Rivers State.

“God gives, God takes. I believe that He will give all of you the strength, just as we pray that God will also give us the strength to bear this irreparable loss, which is not only to the Ogoni people and Rivers State but to Nigeria as a whole,” the minister stated.

Mr Wike was accompanied on the condolence visit by his two sons, Jordan and Joaquin; the speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule; Senators Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh, and Olaka Nwogu; and the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Aaron Chukwuemeka, among others.

Senator Barinada Mpigi, who served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, passed on last Thursday at 64.