The Senate on Tuesday observed a minute silence and suspended plenary till Wednesday in honour of late Senator Barinada Mpigi who passed on February 19.

The resolution of the red chamber followed its consideration and adoption of a motion sponsored by the Leader of Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary, titled: “Suspension of Plenary in honour of late Senator Barinada Mpigi (23rd June, 1961 – 19th February, 2026)”

Bamidele in his lead debate, said the Senate

had noted with “deep shock and profound sadness the passing of Distinguished Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 19th day of February, 2026, after a protracted illness.”

He said the Senate also noted that “the late Senator Mpigi was widely respected for his humility, accessibility, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of his constituents”

He the red chamber also observed “the longstanding parliamentary tradition of the Senate to honour departed colleagues, who served the nation with distinction and integrity.”

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his welcome speech urged members of the upper chamber to approach their legislative responsibilities with renewed commitment to the welfare of Nigerians as the Senate resumed plenary after a brief adjournment.

Akpabio made the call while delivering a speech titled “Faith, Duty and the Voice of the People” at the resumption of plenary on March 10, 2026.

Addressing senators, he said although the Senate had adjourned to enable committees carry out legislative work, the responsibilities of governance and the expectations of Nigerians continued without pause.

“We assemble once again in this Senate after our brief adjournment, which enabled our committees to carry out important legislative work. Yet we do so with the full knowledge that while legislatures may adjourn, the life of a nation never pauses. The march of events does not wait for parliamentary calendars. The hopes of our people do not sleep. The burdens of governance do not take leave,” he said.

Akpabio noted that Nigerians across the country continued their daily struggle to build their lives and communities, stressing that lawmakers must return to their duties as “custodians of the people’s trust and stewards of their welfare.”

The Senate President also led the chamber in mourning the passing of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

He described the late lawmaker as a patriot who served the National Assembly with dedication and commitment to democratic ideals.

“Senator Mpigi was a patriot whose years of service in the National Assembly were marked by dedication to the welfare of his constituents and loyalty to the ideals of democratic governance. He was a man of calm strength, cooperative spirit, and unwavering commitment to the legislative process,” Akpabio said.

He extended condolences to the deceased senator’s family, the government and people of Rivers State, and the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

Akpabio also reflected on the ongoing religious seasons being observed by Nigerians, noting that the holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent offered important lessons for national life.

He said Ramadan represents discipline, self-denial and compassion, while Lent calls for reflection, humility and devotion to justice.

According to him, the values associated with the two seasons could strengthen Nigeria’s moral foundation if embraced by citizens and leaders alike.

“Thus, in these two sacred seasons — Ramadan and Lent — we glimpse a profound moral harmony: discipline before God and compassion toward one another,” he said.

The Senate President also spoke on the role of representation in a democratic system, noting that while social media had expanded public participation in national conversations, democratic institutions remained essential for resolving issues.

“In this age of instantaneous communication, social media has expanded with astonishing speed. It has given voice to millions, and in doing so has enriched the conversation of democracy,” he said.

“Yet we must remind ourselves and our fellow citizens that while social media may raise an alarm, it is the institutions of democracy that must provide the remedy.”

Akpabio encouraged Nigerians to engage their elected representatives and bring their concerns through constitutional channels, stressing that representation remained a key mechanism through which public grievances could be translated into policy.

He also highlighted the national budget as one of the major matters before the Senate, describing it as a document that reflects the country’s priorities and national intentions.

“A budget is more than figures upon paper. It is a declaration of national intention. It tells our citizens where we choose to invest our energies, what priorities we pursue, and what future we seek to build,” he said.

He expressed hope that Senate committees had exercised diligence in scrutinising the budget to ensure it reflects the aspirations of Nigerians, including farmers, traders, students and workers.

Akpabio said Nigeria was at a critical moment that required clarity of purpose and determination from leaders.

He urged senators to ensure that public resources are deployed to promote development, strengthen institutions and improve the living conditions of citizens.

The Senate President called on lawmakers to conduct their duties with dignity, patriotism and unity of purpose.

“Let us debate with vigour but act with wisdom. Let us differ in opinion but remain united in our duty to the Republic. For above all our political differences stands a higher obligation — the obligation to serve Nigeria faithfully and to secure for our people a future worthy of their sacrifice and hope,” he said.

Akpabio expressed hope that the lessons of Ramadan and Lent would inspire senators as they carry out their legislative responsibilities and work towards the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria. (The Nation)