The former governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Idris Ibrahim was announced dead yesterday.
Idris governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), first defeating then-incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in 2003. His 2007 election was later nullified by the courts, but he won the 2008 rerun and completed his tenure in January 2012, handing over to Captain Idris Wada.
A statement yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, by Information and Communication Commissioner Kingsly Fanwo, announced the demise of the former governor.
Governor Ahmed Ododo, who had earlier visited the Idris family, expressed deep sorrow over the death of a former governor and commiserated with the Idris family.
Ododo described the death of the former governor as a profound loss to the state and Nigeria. The governor also declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the former governor.
He directed that the national flag and the Kogi State flag be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions in the state throughout the mourning period.
Ododo promised that the late Idris would also be honoured with a befitting state burial.
The governor said his administration would bear all burial expenses and was already making the necessary arrangements to honour the late Idris, who served as Kogi State governor from 2003 to 2011.
Ododo noted that the administration of the late governor implemented important interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors, adding that the impact of his years in office would remain part of the developmental history of Kogi State.
“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.
The governor urged the Idris family to draw strength from the enduring memories of the late governor’s service and the positive impact he made on the lives of many people.
Ododo prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give the family and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
He stressed that while the state mourned the former governor, his death also provided an opportunity for the people to reflect on a life dedicated to public service and the growth of Kogi State.
Idris, widely known as “Ibro”, died yesterday in the United Kingdom (UK).
In a condolence message in Abuja, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said Idris was a major political figure whose nearly decade-long tenure helped shape Kogi’s political development and institutional growth.
“The passing of His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, is a profound loss to Kogi State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed Nigeria,” she said.
The senator noted that the former governor’s death was especially painful at a time Kogi and the PDP could still have benefited from his experience, wisdom and deep knowledge of the state’s political history.
“Beyond the office he occupied, Ibro represented a generation of political leaders whose experiences, relationships and contributions helped shape Kogi’s political history,” the senator said.
“His departure creates a significant vacuum, and his contributions will remain part of the historical narrative of our dear state.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that while administrations come and go, the impact of public service endures in a state’s collective memory.
“Leadership is ultimately measured by the lives touched, institutions strengthened and opportunities created for future generations,” she said.
“As we mourn His Excellency Ibrahim Idris, we must also remember the chapter he wrote in the history of Kogi State and the lessons his journey offers to those of us entrusted with public responsibility.”
The senator extended heartfelt condolences to the Idris family, his political associates, friends, and all Kogites, urging them to draw strength from his legacy.
“During this difficult moment, my thoughts and prayers are with the Idris family,” she said.
“Losing a father, husband, grandfather, political mentor and community leader is never easy. I pray that Almighty Allah grants his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grants our late leader eternal rest.
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