By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris, has died at the age of 77.
Idris, who governed the state from 2003 to 2012, reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday.
Following his death, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo declared a three-day mourning period in his honour and directed that the Nigerian and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and designated public institutions.
Ododo also announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the state government taking responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.
The governor had earlier visited the residence of the deceased, where he condoled with members of the Idris family.
In a condolence message, Ododo described Idris’ death as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, noting his contributions to infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors during his administration.
Idris was born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State. He studied Law at the University of Abuja and was a businessman before venturing into politics, where he founded Ibro Trading Company.
He was elected governor in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and returned to office after winning the March 2008 re-run election following a legal challenge to the 2007 governorship poll.
Idris remained governor until January 2012, when he was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada. Further details on his death and burial arrangements are expected from his family and the Kogi State Government.
