The Kogi State Government has announced a three-day mourning period following the death of former governor Ibrahim Idris. Governor Ahmed Ododo directed that the Nigerian and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions throughout the mourning period. This was stated in a Sunday announcement by Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
Former governor Ibrahim Idris passed away in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by his nephew, Shehu Ahmed, after unverified reports circulated on social media. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that Ahmed confirmed the news. Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 until January 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Ahmed Ododo visited the former governor's residence to commiserate with his family members. In a condolence message, Ododo described Idris's death as a loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, recalling his years in public service. The state government also announced that Idris would be accorded a state burial, with the government taking responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has paid tribute to the former governor. In a condolence statement issued in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan described Idris as an important figure in Kogi's political history and the PDP. She said his years in public service contributed to the state's political development and expressed condolences to his family, political associates, and the people of Kogi State.
Idris was Kogi's longest-serving governor and was popularly known as "Ibro." The senator said Kogi and the PDP would miss the former governor's experience and knowledge of the state's political history. A Supreme Court judgment later held that his constitutional tenure had expired earlier than his actual handover in 2012.
The Kogi State Government's decision to declare a mourning period and provide a state burial reflects the impact Idris had on the state's politics. As the state prepares to lay him to rest, many are reflecting on his contributions to Kogi's development. Details of the burial had yet to be announced at the time of reporting.
The outpouring of tributes and condolences from various individuals and groups highlights Idris's legacy in Kogi State and beyond. As the nation mourns the loss of the former governor, his impact on the state's history and politics will likely continue to be celebrated. The state government has taken responsibility for the burial arrangements, ensuring a dignified farewell to the former governor.
Key points
- Kogi State Government declares three-day mourning period for former governor Ibrahim Idris.
- Former governor Ibrahim Idris accorded a state burial with government-funded expenses and arrangements.
- Tributes pour in from various individuals and groups, highlighting Idris's legacy in Kogi State politics.
