Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died at the age of 77.
He was reported to have died on Sunday in a United Kingdom hospital where he had gone for medical treatment.
The Kogi State Government confirmed his death in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.
In the statement, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former governor, describing it as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
Governor Ododo, who reportedly visited the deceased’s residence in Abuja, commiserated with his family, noting that the state has lost an eminent son who devoted a significant part of his life to the service of the people.
Ododo declared a State Burial for the late former Governor, emphasizing that the State Government will take full responsibility for all burial expenses, and make arrangements to accord him honour befitting a former Governor.
Ododo also declared a three-day mourning period in his honour and directed that the national flag and Kogi State flag be flown at half-mast across government offices and public institutions throughout the period.
According to the governor, the administration of the late Idris witnessed important interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors, adding that his impact would remain part of the developmental history of Kogi State.
“Beyond the projects and policies associated with his administration, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris would be remembered as a public servant who committed himself to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people.
“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Kogi State, governor Ahmed Usman Ododo extended his deepest condolences to the Idris family, friends, associates and all those who mourn the former Governor,” he added.
The late Idris was governor of the state from 2003 to 2012.
He assumed office on May 29, 2003, after winning the governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
After his 2007 election victory was nullified by the Governorship Tribunal, he returned to office after winning the March 29, 2008 re-run election and continued until January 2012, when he handed over to Captain Idris Wada.
He spent almost nine years as governor, making him the longest-serving governor of the state till date.
Popularly called “Ibro” by admirers, Idris was born in 1949 at Icheke in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He built a business career before entering partisan politics where he became the second democratically elected governor of the state.
