Saraki mourns Ibrahim Idris, recalls nearly nine years in office

Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has mourned the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing him as a respected voice in the affairs of the state.

Saraki stated this in a condolence message shared on his Facebook page on Monday.

Idris died in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 77, after serving as Kogi State governor from 2003 to 2012.

Saraki said he and Idris assumed office as governors in the same year, 2003.

He noted that the late governor went on to lead Kogi State for nearly nine years and remained influential in the state’s affairs after leaving office.

“Alhaji Idris and I came into office as governors in the same year, 2003,” Saraki said.

“He went on to lead Kogi State for nearly nine years and remained a respected voice in the state’s affairs long after he left office.”

Saraki said he would remain grateful for the support and encouragement Idris gave him over the years.

“I will always be thankful for the support and encouragement he showed me over the years,” he said.

The former Senate President extended his condolences to the Idris family, the Kogi State Government and the people of the state.

He also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

“May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give his loved ones strength and comfort at this difficult time. Ameen,” Saraki added.

Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has declared three days of mourning in honour of the late former governor.

Ododo also directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and designated public institutions during the mourning period.

The state government further announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the government taking full responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.

Idris, popularly known as Ibro, was elected governor of Kogi State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2003.

Following legal challenges to the 2007 governorship election, he returned to office after a re-run election in 2008 and remained governor until January 2012.