RIVERS STANDS STILL: Political Rivals, Elders, and Ogoni Nation Unite for Senator Barry Mpigi
By PHC Telegraph
PORT HARCOURT – The Obi Wali Conference Centre was transformed on Thursday into a bastion of solemn reflection and rare political consensus as Rivers State gathered for a night of tribute in honour of the late Senator Barry Mpigi.
The event, which carried the gravitas and scale of a formal state burial, drew dignitaries from across the federation, momentarily silencing the political tremors of the state in favour of a unified farewell to a man many described as a “colossus.”
A Legacy Etched in Ogoni Soil
Senator Magnus Abe, delivering a poignant eulogy, captured the essence of Mpigi’s lifelong commitment to his roots.
”We shall never forget you,” Abe declared. Barry, he noted, had his hand in everything that had impacted positively on the development of Ogoniland.
The Senator lamented that the Ogoni nation has lost an illustrious son who knew how to turn dreams into development.
This sentiment was echoed by Chief Feddy Anabraba, Chairman of the Rivers Elders Council. Speaking on behalf of the people of Rivers State, Anabraba paid a glowing tribute to Mpigi’s consistency and his role as a pillar within the state’s elder statesman community.
“Respectful to a Fault”
Beyond the politics of development, legal luminary OCJ Okocha, SAN, offered a glimpse into the personal character of the fallen Senator. Recalling his screening as an ambassadorial nominee, Okocha noted that “Barry was respectful to a fault.” He recounted how the Senator took absolute responsibility during the rigorous process, showcasing a level of humility and protocol that commanded respect even from his peers in the hallowed chambers.
Bridges Across the Divide
In a state often defined by its fierce partisan loyalties, the presence of both the APC and PDP State Chairmen served as a powerful testament to Mpigi’s reach. Both leaders stood at the podium to refer to him as a “great patriot,” signaling that while Mpigi was a fierce competitor, his commitment to the Nigerian project was never in doubt.
The Resilience of Tai
The night was not without its moments of raw emotion. Monday Mpigi, representing the family, described the late Senator as a devoted family man who prioritized the welfare of his siblings above all else.
In a moment of defiance, Monday acknowledged that while some might have “jubilated” upon hearing of the Senator’s passing, his legacy remains unshakeable. “Tai is intact,” he asserted, affirming that the political and communal structure Barry Mpigi built remains firm despite his exit.
Final Reflections
As the night of tribute concluded, the consensus among the heavyweights present was clear: Barry Mpigi was more than a politician; he was a communal anchor. The gathering at Obi Wali was not just a mourning of a loss, but a recognition of a brand of leadership that placed “Truth, Integrity, and Community” at the forefront of the Rivers political narrative.
