By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday night, joined other well meaning people of Rivers State in mourning the late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi, who until his demise, represented the Rivers South East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

Speaking at the Service of Songs held at the Missionary Anglican Church, Koroma, in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. Governor Fubara described the deceased as a man who lived a great life.
According to the Governor, the late Mpigi was a fighter who would be remembered for the great works he did while on earth. Alluding to the mystery of life, Governor Fubara said that death is the ultimate end of every human existence, and there is nothing anyone can do when the clock of life stops.
He urged the family of the departed politician to take heart as they mourn the loss of their bread winner, stressing that it is only God that can console them and fill the vacuum he left behind.
Governor Fubara recalled that he had earlier sent a condolences letter to the family of the bereaved and visited them in the wake of the sad news of Mpigi’s passage.
“I did a condolence letter and in my condolence letter, I did express myself about the man we are honouring this night the way I understand him, and the way I see him..
“But this evening, I will say that there are things we have control over. Death is the ultimate end of everything. We have nothing to do about it; we can neither add nor subtract to our life span. When it (death) comes, it has come.
“He lived a great life. He was a fighter that his time has come and gone. We would remember him for the great works he did.
“To the family, I’ll just urge you to take heart. Our gathering here is not enough to console you. It is only God that can console you and fill that vacuum.
May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the members of the National Assembly and the entire people of Koroma who were at the Service of Songs to give honour to the late politician. He prayed God to bless everyone and grant them journey mercies back to their various destinations.

Onwuka Nzeshi,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Rivers State.
April 11, 2026.

By George Mgbeleke

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has enjoined
Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

Akpabio gave the advice in a congratulatory message, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, urging all Christians to reflect on the values of love and peaceful coexistence as they celebrate the sacred feast of Easter.

“On behalf of my family, my constituents, the Senate, and the National Assembly, I extend my warmest Easter greetings to all Christians in Nigeria and around the world.

“As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that His message embodies.

“Let us work together to build a nation where everyone can live together in peace, harmony and prosperity.”

The Senate President, who acknowledged that Nigeria is currently facing some challenges, particularly insecurity, appealed for understanding and commitment to National and Security Consciousness.

“I want to assure Nigerians that we will overcome these difficulties through collective efforts, understanding and prayers. The president is not resting on his oars and the Armed Forces and all security agencies have been working relentlessly to tame the tide.

“I sympathise with families affected by the mindless attacks by terrorists and bandits across the country, especially the recent killings in Jos. I pray that the Almighty God will have mercy on those who lost their lives; and console the bereaved families.

“May God bless Nigeria, acquaint us with the compass of His course, help us to defeat the enemies that have declared war on our people and guide us towards a brighter future”

Similarly,Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has congratulated Nigerian Christians as they celebrate Easter, which marks the end of Lent and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Speaker Abbas, in his Easter message issued by his Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Saturday urged Christians to observe and emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom he described as a “perfect role model for all.”

He also enjoined Christians to continue to pray for Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu even after the Lent period.

The Speaker noted that prayers have indeed attracted divine intervention to socio-economic, political, and religious issues that have torn other nations apart.

Speaker Abbas noted that Easter signifies sacrifice, selflessness, obedience, and love.

By George Mgbeleke

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has rejoiced with Muslims in the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast, urging all to sustain prayers for global peace.

Recall that the Sultanate Council has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the end of the Ramadan Fast.

Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, prayed to Allah SWT to accept the supplications, prayers, and good deeds of the Ummah during the blessed Month.

He urged the Muslim Ummah to sustain the lessons of the Holy Month and to always reflect them in their daily activities, as enjoined by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his relentless efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s economy through ongoing reforms and policy interventions.

He also noted that President Tinubu has been up and doing in the fight against insurgency and banditry in the country, stressing that ” we must all continue to accord him all the support needed to achieve this.”

He expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s directive for security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, following Monday’s terrorist attacks, would help flush out the criminal elements.

The presiding officer stated that the 2026 budget, currently under scrutiny at the National Assembly, will, upon passage and implementation, go a long way in addressing the country’s infrastructure gaps and other challenges.

While wishing Muslims a joyous and peaceful celebration, Senator Barau appealed to them to spread love and help the needy during and after the festive period.

” Glory be to Allah SWT for the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan, 1447AH. I wish to rejoice with fellow Muslims across the country. This is a period of joy and happiness, as well as a time to show appreciation to Almighty Allah. Let’s spread love and help people in need during and after the festive period,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Barau has disbursed N157m to his constituents as part of his Sallah gesture across the 13 LGAs of the Kano North Senatorial District.

The distribution, which commenced on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, was aimed at supporting constituents, particularly the less privileged, in celebrating the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr with ease and dignity.

Over 60,000 bags have been distributed in Kano North and other parts of Kano State by the Deputy President of the Senate for Ramadan and Sallah.