The first Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Samuel Ola Akande, has mourned the death of former Governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing as a personal loss.
In a press statement, Chief Akande said he received the news of Idris’s death with deep sadness, recalling a relationship of over two decades built on mutual respect and common interests. He noted that throughout that period, the late former governor never once called him by his name, always addressing him as “Uncle.”
He recalled that when Idris assumed office in 2003, he moved quickly to douse rising ethnic tensions in the state and laid a template for overcoming the mutual suspicion that was then raging in Kogi, ensuring that an unwritten state character principle was observed in all appointments.
According to him, as Governor, Idris carried all segments of the state along and gave everyone, irrespective of status, a sense of belonging. He said students were happy, civil servants received their dues as at when due, traditional rulers were accorded respect, party stakeholders had a say in governance, and artisans were not left out, with bursaries for students, prompt payment of salaries and entitlements, youth and women empowerment, and patronage of local contractors among the hallmarks of his tenure.
Chief Akande listed the popular “Ibro Water” project for Lokoja residents, the International Market, the Lokoja stadium, housing projects across the state’s 21 local government areas, the upgrade of the state judiciary, legislative freedom, local government autonomy and road projects as some of the late former governor’s numerous achievements.
He said Idris’s administration would be remembered for its work in infrastructure, education, healthcare and civil service reform, as well as for promoting inclusion and peaceful coexistence among Kogi’s many communities, noting that in a state as diverse as Kogi, that commitment mattered as much as any road or building.
“Beyond being a Governor, I was privileged to know him as a successful businessman, a philanthropist, a cheerful friend and a compassionate man,” he said.
Chief Akande extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, and to the government and people of Kogi State, and prayed that his soul rest in perfect peace.
