Nigerian Senate on Tuesday suspended its plenary session in honour of the late lawmaker, Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District until his death.
The decision followed a tribute during the sitting presided over by Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, after lawmakers observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the deceased senator.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, disclosed that the upper legislative chamber resolved to suspend legislative proceedings as a mark of respect for their late colleague.
“Today, we suspended plenary in honour of our late distinguished colleague, Senator Barinada Mpigi, who died on February 19, 2026,” Barau said.
According to him, the session presided over by Akpabio was halted after senators paid their respects to Mpigi, whose passing has left a vacuum in the chamber.
“The session, presided over by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, was suspended after we observed a minute of silence in honour of our late colleague, who represented the Rivers South-East Senatorial District until his passing,” he stated.
Before his death at the age of 64, Mpigi served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, where he played a key role in legislative efforts aimed at improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure through oversight and lawmaking.
“The plenary was adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11, 2026,” Barau added.
Mpigi’s death has drawn tributes from colleagues and political stakeholders, many of whom described him as a dedicated lawmaker who contributed significantly to legislative work, particularly in the area of infrastructure development.