By Edison Atumeyi Edime
Kogi State has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as “Ibro.”
Two prominent political figures from Kogi East — Hon. Isah Umaru Emeje, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ofu LGA, and Hon. Victor Ojogbane Uchola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer for Idah/Igalamela/Ofu/Ibaji Federal Constituency — have described his passing as the fall of a great tree and the departure of a great patriot whose footprints remain indelible in the state’s history.
In separate condolence messages on Monday, the duo said the former governor’s death is not just a loss to his family but to the entire state and Nigeria at large.
Hon. Emeje, who described the news as painful and heavy, said Idris occupied an important chapter in the political and developmental history of Kogi State.
“The death of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris is not merely the loss of a former Governor; it is the departure of a prominent figure who occupied an important chapter in the political and developmental history of Kogi State,” Emeje said.
He recalled that Idris, who governed the state from 2003 to 2012, left footprints in infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply and other critical sectors.
“Today, Kogi State has lost a father figure, a political elder and a former chief executive whose name will forever remain part of the history of our state,” he added.
On his part, Hon. Uchola, who is popularly known as Uchola, said the death marks the end of an important chapter in Kogi’s political journey.
“The death of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris is a painful loss to his immediate family, the people of Kogi State, and Nigeria at large. Today, politics is momentarily put aside. Today, Kogi mourns,” Uchola stated.
Both leaders extended condolences to the Idris family, associates and the people of Kogi State.
Emeje condoled on behalf of his family, political associates and the people of Ofu Local Government Area, while Uchola, the APC flagbearer for Idah/Igalamela/Ofu/Ibaji Federal Constituency, did so on behalf of his family, supporters and the people of the federal constituency.
