The African Democratic Congress, Kogi State Chapter, mourns the passing of former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (2003–2012).
Hon. Tom Zakari, the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kogi State, eulogised the life of the late Alh. Idris, but with the consolation that indeed every soul shall taste death.
The ADC described the demise of the former Governor as a great loss to Kogi State and Nigeria at large, given his exemplary leadership qualities, wealth of experience, and contributions to the state’s political and socio-economic development.
According to the statement, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was an erudite politician, a complete trailblazer, and an accomplished businessman who rose to prominence through dedication, hard work, goodwill, and the fear of God. He left behind verifiable legacy projects spread across the state.
“His administration was also notable for its emphasis on infrastructure and institutional development, with projects and initiatives that impacted communities across the three senatorial districts of the state. He was widely regarded as an advocate of equity and balanced development, with a commitment to ensuring that no part of Kogi State was relegated or excluded in the distribution of development initiatives. His administration sought to spread government presence and infrastructure across the various geographical and political constituencies of the state, reflecting his understanding that every community and every citizen deserved a fair stake in the development of Kogi State” he noted.
Beyond the physical projects, the statement indicated Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was a major participant in the evolution of democratic politics in Kogi State and contributed significantly to the consolidation of the state’s political institutions during a formative period of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. His long years in public life gave him a deep understanding of governance, politics and the complexities of managing a diverse state such as Kogi. To many of those who worked with him, including members of his administration and political associates, he was a mentor and political reference point whose influence extended beyond the period he occupied public office.
Reacting to the sad news, the Kogi State Chairman of ADC, Hon. Tom Zakari, who served under the late former Governor as Senior Special Assistant on Inter/Intra Party Affairs and Special Adviser on Security and Boundary Matters (SBM), and who later represented Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the National Assembly from 2011–2015, described his death as a monumental loss to the democratic institution in the state.
Hon. Zakari noted that having had the privilege of serving directly under the late Governor, he could attest to his commitment to governance, his accessibility to political stakeholders and his concern for the development and stability of Kogi State. He said the former Governor’s contributions to the state’s political history would remain an important part of the collective memory of its people.
The ADC Kogi State Chapter extends its heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late former Governor, his political associates, former colleagues, friends, and the government and people of Kogi State.
We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and grants his family, friends, associates, and the entire people of Kogi State the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
