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Former Abia State governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has mourned former Kogi State governor, Ibrahim Idris, describing him as a statesman who devoted a significant part of his life to public service and the development of the state.
Idris, popularly known as “Ibro,” died in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 77.
Kalu, in a condolence statement, said the former governor’s years in office and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development would remain an important part of his legacy.
“I received with sadness the news of the passing of former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was an accomplished businessman, respected political leader and statesman who devoted a significant part of his life to public service and the development of Kogi State.
“His years as Governor of Kogi State and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development will remain an important part of his legacy,” Kalu said.
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The former Senate Chief Whip extended his condolences to Idris’ family, the government and people of Kogi State, as well as his friends, political associates and supporters.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and people of Kogi State, his political associates and all those mourning this great loss.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
Idris was first elected governor of Kogi State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2003 and was declared re-elected in 2007. The 2007 election was subsequently nullified by the courts, leading to a rerun on March 29, 2008, which he won.
He remained in office until January 27, 2012, when the Supreme Court ruled that his constitutionally permitted tenure had expired in May 2011, rejecting the argument that a fresh four-year tenure began after his victory in the 2008 rerun.
Apart from the brief interregnum preceding the rerun, Idris governed Kogi for nearly nine years and remained active in the state’s politics after leaving office.
