Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), became emotional and broke down in tears while paying tribute to late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi during a ceremony held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, April 9.
The former Rivers State governor reflected on his close relationship with the deceased, recounting how Mpigi would often visit him in Abuja and repeatedly express his loyalty with the words:
“Master, I will not leave you.”
His heartfelt remarks drew attention and sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, passed away on February 19 at the age of 64.
Born on June 23, 1961, he served as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria until his death.
Before becoming a senator, Mpigi was elected into the House of Representatives in 2011 and re-elected in 2015.
He later secured a seat in the Senate in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party and was re-elected in 2023.
During his time in the 9th National Assembly, he chaired a joint Senate committee tasked with investigating oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
His death marks the fourth loss in the 10th National Assembly since the 2023 general elections, following the passing of Ifeanyi Ubah, Okey Ezea, and Godiya Akwashiki.
Tributes have continued to pour in, with associates and colleagues describing Mpigi as a committed lawmaker who played key roles in national development, including his leadership in Senate committees.
Watch Nyesom Wike’s emotional speech below:
Moment Nyseom Wike was moved to tears while paying a tribute to the late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi.
He recalled how Barry Mpigi would often visit his residence in Abuja as early as 8:00 a.m., saying, “Master, I will not leave you.” pic.twitter.com/kxowCojCxL
— Port Harcourt Socials (@PH_Socials) April 9, 2026
