Former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris, has been pronounced dead by medical experts in the United Kingdom at the age of 77, sending shock waves through the state’s political establishment.
The former governor’s death immediately triggered an outpouring of condolences, with Governor Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello and other top government officials visiting his Abuja residence to commiserate with the deceased family.
Idris, who governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012, reportedly died after a period of ill health, although the circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately clear.
The former governor died on Sunday in the United Kingdom, throwing the Kogi political establishment into mourning.
Following news of his death, the governor, Ododo, and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, and other top government officials visited the deceased’s residence in Abuja to condole with members of his family.
In a short statement released by Onogwu Muhammed, the Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Yahaya Bello, disclosed the development with photographs of Ododo and Bello at the residence.
He said: “Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo; former Governor Yahaya Bello, CON; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abdullahi Bello; and other top government officials have arrived at the Abuja residence of the late former Governor Ibrahim Idris, who passed away this afternoon.”
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, mourned the former governor, describing him as a significant figure in the political history of Kogi State and the Peoples Democratic Party.
Idris’ death is expected to trigger an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, former government officials and associates who worked with him during his years in public service.
His death also comes as a major loss to the PDP family in Kogi State, where he remained an influential figure long after leaving office.
Idris, a major figure in Kogi State politics, governed the state for almost nine years between 2003 and 2012.
He assumed office in May 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was re-elected for a second term in the 2007 election.
His administration ended in January 2012 when he handed over to his successor, Idris Wada.