Late Gov Ibrahim Idris’ family commends Ododo, backs state burial plans

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The family of the late former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the state government for the support and solidarity extended to the family following the former governor’s death.

The family also pledged its full cooperation with the state government as preparations continue for the burial of the former governor.

The Head of the family, Alhaji Haruna Idris, expressed the appreciation when he received members of the Burial Committee constituted by Governor Ododo to coordinate arrangements for the former governor’s burial.

The committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo.

Haruna Idris thanked Governor Ododo and the state government for the responsibility and respect shown to the late former governor, particularly the decision by the government to take full responsibility for his burial.

He said the family was grateful for the support at a difficult period, assuring members of the committee of its readiness to work closely with the government to ensure a dignified and befitting burial for the former governor.

He said the family appreciated the government’s gesture as an indication of the honour being accorded the late governor and his contributions to the development of Kogi State.

Responding, Oyibo described the death of Ibrahim Idris as a major loss to Kogi State, recalling his status as a respected political leader.

“It’s a huge loss to the entire State. We’ve lost a colossus and a leader who was loved and respected by all. As a Government, we’ll give him a befitting State burial,” the Deputy Governor said.

Oyibo assured the family that the state government would work closely with it to ensure that all necessary arrangements were made for a dignified and befitting burial.

He said the Burial Committee would continue consultations with the family and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the burial arrangements reflected the importance of the late former governor to the state.

Following the formal interaction, members of the committee and representatives of the family held a closed-door meeting to discuss issues concerning the family and the ongoing burial arrangements.

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, Mallam Suleiman Ibrahim; Special Adviser to the Governor, Prince Bashir Abubakar Audu; and other senior government officials.