By Mudi Muhammed
Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, is dead. He died on Sunday, September 20, in the United Kingdom at the age of 77 after a protracted illness. 2379
Popularly known as “Ibro”, Idris served as Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and remains the longest-serving governor in the state’s history. He first defeated incumbent Prince Abubakar Audu in 2003, was re-elected in 2007, won a court-ordered re-run in March 2008 and completed his tenure in January 2012.
Following his death, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo declared a three-day mourning period, directed that flags be flown at half-mast, and announced a state burial to be fully funded by the state government. 2379
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has commiserated with the Government of Kogi State and the family of the late former governor.
In a condolence letter personally signed by him, Prof. Ogbo, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff and Students of PAAU, described the news as a rude shock.
He said Idris was at a time the Visitor to the then Kogi State University, Anyigba, now Prince Abubakar Audu University, between 2003 and 2011, noting that his years in office remains an important chapter in the political and developmental history of the State.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was, at a time, the Visitor to the then Kogi State University, Anyigba. His years in office remains an important chapter in the political and developmental history of the State. He was a public servant who contributed his time, experience and leadership to the advancement of his people,” the VC stated in the personally signed letter.
Prof. Ogbo added that his passing is a loss not only to his immediate family but also to Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
While noting that death is inevitable, he said the university takes solace in the life of service lived by the former governor.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, associates and the people of Kogi State the fortitude to bear the loss.
