By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
A serving senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Barinada Mpigi, is dead. He was 64.
A source close to the family confirmed his demise on Thursday, though details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
Born on June 23, 1961, Mpigi was a prominent figure in Rivers State politics and a ranking member of the National Assembly. Until his passing, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, where he oversaw federal infrastructure projects across the country.
Mpigi began his legislative career in 2011 when he was elected into the House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 2016 for a second term, consolidating his influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and among his constituents.
In 2019, he transitioned to the Senate after winning election to represent Rivers South-East Senatorial District under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
During the Ninth Assembly, he was appointed chairman of a joint Senate committee set up to investigate crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
The assignment placed him at the forefront of legislative efforts aimed at curbing oil-related economic sabotage and improving accountability in the sector.
As news of his passing filtered in, political associates and constituents were said to be in shock, with tributes expected from party leaders, colleagues in the National Assembly, and stakeholders in Rivers State.
Further details on funeral arrangements and official statements from his family and the Senate are expected in due course.