Kogi Declares 3-Day Mourning Over Ex-Gov. Ibrahim Idris’ Death

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed that flags across Kogi State fly at half-mast during a three-day mourning period to honor the late former Governor Ibrahim Idris.

The former governor, who held office between 2003 and 2012, passed away in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 77, as confirmed to AIT Live by his nephew, Shehu Ahmed.

Expressing his grief in an official condolence message issued by Information Commissioner Kingsley Femi Fanwo, and obtained by PerSecondNews, Gov. Ododo paid tribute to Idris, characterizing his demise as a monumental loss to the state and the entire country.

The governor directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.

He also announced that the late former governor would receive a state burial, with the state government taking full responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.

Idris devoted a significant part of his life to public service and left an important mark on the political and developmental history of Kogi State, it stated.

He recalled interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors during the former governor’s administration, describing them as part of the state’s developmental history.

The governor urged the Idris family, friends and associates of the deceased to draw strength from his years of service and the impact he made during his lifetime.

Ododo also prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Idris’ shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give the family and people of Kogi State the strength to bear the loss.

Idris, popularly known as “Ibro,” was born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, and became governor in 2003 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.

He remained in office until January 2012, after winning a 2008 re-run election following the nullification of his 2007 victory.

Before entering politics, Idris was a businessman with interests in construction, furniture manufacturing, hospitality and general commerce.

PerSecondNews recalls that Idris was succeeded by ex-Gov. Idris Wada in January 2012.