“A rare breed”: Wike eulogies late Senator Barry Mpigi as dependable ally

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has described the late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi as a politician of exceptional consistency and integrity.
​Speaking at a Night of Tributes held Wednesday at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Wike reflected on a friendship spanning decades, beginning from their days as local government chairmen in Rivers State. He lauded the late lawmaker for possessing a level of reliability he described as increasingly rare in the Nigerian political landscape.
​In particular, the Minister underscored several defining qualities that made Senator Mpigi a standout figure.
He noted that unlike many in politics, Mpigi was never “double-minded” or inconsistent in his dealings.
​Also, he described the late Senator as someone who followed through on his promises without hesitation.
​ “He was a very reliable and dependable politician whom you could count on,” Wike stated, emphasizing the trust they shared.
​Urging Nigerians to prioritize making a difference, Wike noted that while the Senator’s life was cut short, it was a life well-lived.
“We do not know when the time will come. What matters is the impact we make while we are here,” the Minister stated.
​In a show of solidarity, Wike assured the bereaved family of his continued support, promising they would not be abandoned.
​The event, which drew a wide spectrum of Nigeria’s political elite, also featured a significant announcement from the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.
He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to be rerouted through Ogoniland as a permanent mark of respect for the late Senator’s contributions to national infrastructure.