Tinubu mourns ex-Kogi governor, says death painful loss

FILE: A former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing as a “painful loss” to his family, Kogi State and Nigeria.

Idris died in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 77.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported his death and subsequent tributes from political leaders, including Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who declared three days of mourning in his honour.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his condolences to the Idris family, the Kogi State Government and people, as well as the former governor’s friends, associates and political colleagues.

The President described Idris’s death as a significant loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, noting that the former governor devoted a substantial part of his life to public service and the development of the state.

“Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was a committed public servant whose years in office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental history of Kogi State.

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“His passing is a painful loss to his family, Kogi State and Nigeria. At this difficult moment, we must remember and honour his contributions to the growth of his state and our nation.

“I extend my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Kogi State. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” Tinubu said.

According to the statement, Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012, with his administration recording interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors.

Tinubu also acknowledged Idris’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and his years of engagement in public affairs.

The President prayed that Allah would grant the deceased’s family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

The condolence comes a day after PUNCH Online reported that Idris died in the UK at 77.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.