Tinubu, Political Leaders Mourn Ex-Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, the former governor of Kogi State, passed away Sunday in the United Kingdom at 77 years old. His death triggered expressions of grief from Nigeria's top leadership and regional officials.

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu issued remarks through his media adviser Bayo Onanuga, characterising the loss as deeply painful for Idris's relatives, Kogi State, and Nigeria as a whole. The President recognised how Idris spent considerable time in service to the public and contributed meaningfully to Nigeria's democratic journey.

In response to the former governor's death, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State proclaimed three days of official mourning. This declaration underscores the significance attached to Idris's impact on the state's governance and political circles.

Between 2003 and 2012, Idris governed Kogi for approximately nine years, during which he shaped the state's political development in substantial ways. Aljaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka—previously the Social Democratic Party's gubernatorial hopeful before moving to the All Progressives Congress—released his own message of sympathy.

He termed Idris's passing a weighty blow for both Kogi and the nation, underscoring what the departed governor meant to the state's governance legacy. During his years as governor, Ajaka observed, Idris occupied a place of significance in the state's administrative record.

The President conveyed his sympathies to Idris's family members, the administration and populace of Kogi State, and those who worked alongside the former governor professionally and politically. Tinubu's remarks were made public Monday through Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, shortly after news of Idris's death on Sunday was confirmed.