Video Shows FCT Minister Wike Breaking Down in Tears Over Death of Top Nigerian Senator

Video Shows FCT Minister Wike Breaking Down in Tears Over Death of Top Nigerian Senator

  • FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was in tears while leading Rivers elders to London to condole with the family of the late Senator Bari Mpigi
  • The former Rivers governor reflected on life, death and friendship as he paid tribute to Mpigi’s strength, loyalty and political impact
  • The senior Nigerian lawmaker was described by Wike as an irreparable loss to Rivers State, the Ogoni people, and Nigeria as a whole

London - A viral video circulating on social media has shown the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) visibly emotional as he mourned the death of senior Nigerian lawmaker Bari Mpigi.

FCT minister Nyesom Wike broke down in tears while addressing members of the bereaved family in London, where he led elders from Rivers State to formally convey their condolences.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike leads Rivers elders to London to pay respects to the late Senator Bari Mpigi.
FCT minister Nyesom Wike is visibly emotional after leading a delegation of Rivers elders to London to honour the late Senator Bari Mpigi. Photo credit: @GovWike
Source: Twitter

The minister, who spoke at length in a video shared on X, struggled to compose himself at several points during his remarks.

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Nyesom Wike in tears over senator's death

In his address, Nyesom Wike reflected on the inevitability of death, admitting that the timing of loss often comes unexpectedly.

“All of us know that a day will come that we will go and meet our maker, but when it will be, nobody knows,” he said.

According to Vanguard, the minister noted that Senator Mpigi had shown remarkable strength during his illness and praised the late lawmaker’s wife for her support.

“I do know that your husband has tried. He really was very, very strong to overcome whatever was the problem, and you too, as a strong woman, gave the necessary support,” Wike stated.

Wike and Mpigi: Long political bond recalled

Wike recounted his long-standing personal and political relationship with the late senator, dating back to their time in local government administration from 1999.

“They don’t know how close all of us are to your husband - particularly me. I was chairman of the local government with your husband… We have been together, doing things together,” he said.

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He described Mpigi as a key figure in Rivers State politics and a respected voice in the National Assembly.

“Bari was a strong pillar in the politics of the state… there’s nobody that will not know the impact of Bari Mpigi,” Wike added.

Bari Mpigi's loyalty and character celebrated

The FCT minister also highlighted Mpigi’s loyalty, describing him as a man who stood firmly by his friends.

“If he says he is your friend, he is your friend… He stands with his friends through thick and thin,” he said.

Wike noted that the senator’s death came at a time when his counsel and presence were still greatly needed.

Struggling with emotion, Wike described the death as a profound loss extending beyond Rivers state.

“This is what we call an irreparable loss - a great loss, not only to the Ogoni, not only to the state, but to Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

He disclosed that he had received numerous calls from across the country since the news of Mpigi’s death became public.

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The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, travels to London with Rivers elders to pay last respects to Senator Bari Mpigi.
Rivers elders accompany FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to London as he pays an emotional tribute to the late Senator Bari Mpigi. Photo credit: @GovWike
Source: Facebook

Wike admits difficulty accepting Nigerian senator's death

Wike openly admitted that he was yet to fully come to terms with the senator’s passing, pausing briefly during his speech as emotions overwhelmed him.

“I’m still not come to terms with it… Maybe when I see him lowered, then I will say truly he is dead,” he said.

The emotional moment, captured on video, has since drawn widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy for the minister and the family of the late senator.

Wike cancels 485 land documents in Abuja

Previously, Legit.ng reported that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had reportedly approved the cancellation of 485 land documents in Abuja for failing to meet the official verification standards.

The move followed a comprehensive screening exercise that was carried out by the Department of Land Administration in conjunction with the Abuja Geographic Information Systems.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He previously worked as a senior correspondent at Vanguard Newspapers. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944

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