Rivers: Wike, PDP leaders receive remains of late senator Mpigi in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was present at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday to receive the remains of the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

Arriving at the airport around 5:30 a.m., Wike joined other dignitaries in paying their final respects to the late lawmaker. The solemn moment underscored the deep sense of loss felt within political circles and beyond.

According to a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister also received the late senator’s wife, Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and their children at the airport. The family’s arrival marked an emotional moment as they accompanied the remains of the respected senator back home.

Those present included the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Senator Philip Aduda; the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda; and the Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, among others.

Senator Mpigi died in London on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 64.

The FCT minister had earlier visited the late lawmaker’s family in London last week to condole with them and facilitate the return of his remains to Nigeria.