Follow Us on Google
From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
The Kogi State government has set up a burial committee to give a befitting burial to former governor Ibrahim Idris who died on Sunday in the UK after a protracted illness.
The burial committee headed by the state deputy governor, Joel Salifu Oyibo met yesterday with the family of the late governor where they held a closed door meeting to arrive at a date for the burial and the procedure the burial will take.
Governor Usman Ododo has promised that the state government will take full responsibility over the burial of late Idris who was governor between 2003–2011.
Meanwhile the family of the late former Governor has commended the Kogi State Government for its support and solidarity with the family following the death of the former Governor.
The family also pledged its full cooperation with the State Government as preparations continue for the burial of the former Governor, who died recently.
The Head of the Family, Alhaji Haruna Idris, expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo and the State Government for the responsibility and respect shown to the late former Governor, particularly the decision of the government to take full responsibility for his burial.
He said the family was deeply grateful for the support extended to it at a difficult moment, assuring the Burial Committee of the family’s readiness to work closely with the government to ensure a befitting burial for the former Governor.
Addressing the family, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Burial Committee, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, described the death of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris as a colossal loss to Kogi State, describing the late former Governor as a leader who was widely respected and loved.
“It is a huge loss to the entire State. We have lost a colossus and a leader who was loved and respected by all. As a Government, we will give him a befitting State burial,” the Deputy Governor said.
The Deputy Governor assured the family that the State Government would work with it to ensure that all necessary arrangements were made for a dignified and befitting burial in honour of the late former Governor.
Following the formal interaction, members of the Burial Committee and representatives of the late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris’ family held a closed-door meeting during which issues relating to the family and arrangements for the burial were discussed.
Members of the Burial Committee who accompanied the Deputy Governor included the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ali Bello; Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo; Commissioner for Transportation, Victor Atuluku; Director General of Protocol, Kogi State Government, Mallam Suleiman Ibrahim; Special Adviser to the Governor, Prince Bashir Abubakar Audu; and other senior government officials.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour as a former governorship aspirant, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his death as a significant loss to his family and the people of Kogi State.
In a condolence statement Signed by Prince Tijani Dauda
Head of Media and Public Communications, Muri Ajaka noted that the former governor occupied an important place in the political history of Kogi State, having served the state for nearly nine years between 2003 and 2012.
He said Alhaji Ibrahim Idris would be remembered for his years of public service and his role as an elder statesman who contributed to the political and developmental journey of the state.
“This is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family but to the people of Kogi State and everyone whose life he touched during his years of public service.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, served our state at the highest level and remained an important figure in the political history of Kogi State. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in our state,” Ajaka said.
He extended his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the people of Omala Local Government Area, the Igala Kingdom and the entire people of Kogi State.
Alhaji Yakubu prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the former governor’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while giving his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
