Ibrahim Idris, former governor of Kogi, has died at the age of 77.
The former governor died on Sunday in the United Kingdom
(UK).
In a statement signed by Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s
commissioner for information, Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, said Idris’ death
“robbed the state of an eminent son who devoted a significant part of his life
to the service of the people”.
Fanwo said Ododo had declared a three-day of mourning in
honour of Idris, adding that the national flag should be flown at half-mast
during the period.
Ododo said Kogi state witnessed development and
institutional growth during Idris’ administration.
“The Governor also declared that the late former Governor
would receive a State Burial, with the Kogi State Government taking full
responsibility for all burial expenses and making the necessary arrangements to
accord him the honour befitting a former Governor of the State,” the statement
reads.
“Governor Ododo noted that the administration of the late
former Governor witnessed important interventions in infrastructure, education,
healthcare and other critical sectors, adding that the impact of his years in
office would remain part of the developmental history of Kogi State.
“According to him, beyond the projects and policies
associated with his administration, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris would be remembered as
a public servant who committed himself to the responsibilities entrusted to him
by the people.”
Born on April 6, 1949, Idris served as the governor of Kogi
state from 2003 to 2012. He won the 2003 governorship election on platform of
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He also won the 2007 governorship election, but his victory
was nullified by the election tribunal because the name and picture of Abubakar
Audu of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) was not included on the ballot.
The election tribunal ordered a fresh election.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Idris approached the court
of appeal. In February 2008, the appellate court affirmed the tribunal’s
decision.
On February 6, 2008, Clarence Olafemi, then speaker of the
Kogi assembly, was sworn in as acting governor pending the outcome of the fresh
election.
On March 29, 2008, the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) conducted a re-run governorship election in Kogi state.
Idris won while Audu came second. Audu again approached the
tribunal to challenge the outcome of the re-run election.
In December 2008, the tribunal dismissed Audu’s petition and
affirmed Idris’ election.
In June 2009, the court of appeal also dismissed Audu’s
petition for “lacking merit”.
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