FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Breaks Down in Tears Mourning Late Senator Bari Mpigi
A deeply emotional viral video circulating on social media has captured the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, breaking down in tears as he mourned the passing of senior Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Bari Mpigi. The poignant moment occurred in London, where Wike led a delegation of Rivers State elders to formally condole with the bereaved family of the late senator.
Emotional Tribute in London
In the widely shared footage, Minister Wike struggled to maintain his composure while addressing family members, reflecting on life, death, and the profound impact of personal loss. The former Rivers State governor spoke at length about his relationship with Senator Mpigi, but found himself overwhelmed by emotion at several points during his remarks.
"All of us know that a day will come that we will go and meet our maker, but when it will be, nobody knows," Wike stated, his voice trembling with emotion as he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of mortality.
Longstanding Political Bond
Wike recounted his decades-long personal and political relationship with the late senator, tracing their connection back to their shared experience in local government administration beginning in 1999. The minister emphasized the depth of their bond, describing Mpigi as more than just a political ally.
"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," Wike revealed, highlighting their collaborative political journey.
Tribute to Strength and Loyalty
The FCT minister praised Senator Mpigi's remarkable strength during his illness and commended the late lawmaker's wife for her unwavering support throughout his health challenges. Wike particularly emphasized Mpigi's character and loyalty as defining qualities that made his loss especially painful.
"If he says he is your friend, he is your friend... He stands with his friends through thick and thin," Wike declared, painting a portrait of a man whose word was his bond and whose loyalty was unquestionable.
Irreparable Loss to Nigeria
Struggling with visible emotion, Wike described Senator Mpigi's death as a profound loss that extended far beyond Rivers State politics. He characterized the passing as an irreplaceable void in Nigerian political leadership.
"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," Wike asserted, noting that he had received numerous condolence calls from across the country since news of the senator's death became public.
Difficulty Accepting the Loss
Wike openly admitted his ongoing struggle to come to terms with Senator Mpigi's passing, suggesting that the reality of the loss might only fully sink in during the burial proceedings. His emotional vulnerability during the tribute has resonated with many Nigerians who have viewed the viral video.
"I'm still not come to terms with it... Maybe when I see him lowered, then I will say truly he is dead," the minister confessed, pausing briefly as emotions threatened to overwhelm him completely.
Political Impact and Legacy
Wike highlighted Senator Mpigi's significant role in Rivers State politics and his respected position within the National Assembly. He described the late lawmaker as a strong pillar whose absence would be deeply felt in political circles and beyond.
"Bari was a strong pillar in the politics of the state... there's nobody that will not know the impact of Bari Mpigi," Wike emphasized, underscoring the senator's substantial contributions to Nigerian governance and representation.
Widespread Reactions
The emotional video has generated extensive reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy for Minister Wike and offering condolences to the family of Senator Mpigi. The raw display of emotion from a prominent political figure has sparked conversations about friendship, loss, and the human side of political leadership.
The tribute in London represents not just a personal expression of grief, but also a public acknowledgment of the significant void left by Senator Mpigi's passing in Nigerian political circles. As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the personal connections that often underpin political relationships and the genuine human emotions that accompany loss within public life.
