Rivers South-East Senator Barinada Mpigi dies at 64; fourth senator to pass in 10th Assembly

Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing the Rivers South-East senatorial district, has died at the age of 64, confirmed on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The news was shared via social media by Oloye Akin Alabi, a federal lawmaker from Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Born on June 23, 1961, Mpigi began his political career in the House of Representatives, serving from 2011 to 2015. He was first elected to the Senate in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and re-elected in 2023.

During the 9th National Assembly, Mpigi chaired the joint Senate committee tasked with investigating oil theft in the Niger Delta. His contributions to legislative oversight and national development earned him wide recognition.

With his death, Mpigi becomes the fourth senator to pass away since the 10th National Assembly’s inauguration, following Senators Ifeanyi Ubah, Okey Ezea, and Godiya Akwashiki.

Social media reactions poured in from Nigerians mourning the loss. Oloye Akin Alabi recalled that Mpigi also served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

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Citizens shared condolences, with many highlighting his dedication to public service and leadership impact.

The Senate and the people of Rivers State now face the task of honoring his legacy while filling the vacant seat in the National Assembly