David Mark mourns former Kogi Governor, Ibrahim Idris

By Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

Former President of the Senate and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.

Idris, who reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 77, served as Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2008 and again from 2008 to 2012.

In a condolence message, Senator Mark described the late former governor as an accomplished statesman, businessman and public servant whose contributions to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria would remain part of the nation’s political history.

Senator Mark, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Idris distinguished himself through his years of public service, particularly his commitment to the development of Kogi State and his interactions with people across political, ethnic and regional divides.

According to him, “Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was a significant figure in the political evolution of Kogi State and Nigeria.

“His years in public service gave him the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of his state and the nation.

“He was a man who devoted a substantial part of his life to public service and community development.

“His passing is a loss to his family, Kogi State and Nigeria,” Senator Mark said.

The ADC National Chairman recalled the late Idris as a political elder whose experience, relationships and contributions transcended partisan boundaries, adding that his death would be deeply felt by those who knew and worked with him.

Senator Mark condoled with the government and people of Kogi State, the Idris family, friends and associates of the deceased, and prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanna Firdaus.

He urged the family to take solace in the enduring memories of the life of service and accomplishments of their patriarch.