Kogi PDP to fly flags at half-mast, constitutes burial committee for ex-gov Idris

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The Peoples Democratic Party, Kogi State chapter, has declared a 40-day mourning period and constituted an 11-man Central Planning Committee to oversee the condolence and burial activities of its former governor and leader, Ibrahim Idris.

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This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the State Working Committee held on Wednesday at the party’s state secretariat in Lokoja.

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The meeting was presided over by the State Chairman, Muhammed Gambo, who also signed the communiqué alongside the State Secretary, Sunday Ibrahim.

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The SWC said it received with shock and deep sorrow the news of the death of Idris, popularly known as “Baba PDP”, describing him as a father, leader, political colossus, detribalised Nigerian, bridge-builder and founding father of the PDP in Kogi State.

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The party also noted that Idris, who governed the state from 2003 to 2012, contributed to what it described as unprecedented development, peace and political inclusion during his tenure.

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The SWC commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Ibro family, the PDP family nationwide, the Kogi State Government and the people of the state.

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As part of its resolutions, the party directed that PDP flags at the state secretariat, all 21 local government secretariats and ward secretariats across the state be flown at half-mast from Wednesday until 40 days after the burial.

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On the burial arrangements, the SWC approved an 11-man Central Planning Committee chaired by Gambo, with Ibrahim as secretary.

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Other members of the committee are Yahaya Karaku, Paul Ukwenya, Anthony M. Akuvada, Yunusa Adazaki, Toluhi Michael Segun, Audu Siyaka Uhanaye, Esther Abimbola Soje, Igagu Idris and Saba Ibrahim.

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The communiqué said the committee was mandated to liaise with the deceased’s family and the Kogi State Government to ensure a befitting burial.

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“The Committee is mandated to liaise with the family and the Kogi State Government to ensure a befitting burial for the late leader, with its terms of reference to be announced in due course,” the communiqué read.

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The SWC expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the state government for the steps taken to accord the former governor a state burial.

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“The Party noted that the gesture was a testament to Alhaji Ibrahim Idris’s status as a former Governor and an elder statesman who served Kogi State meritoriously,” the communiqué added.

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The party urged its members, stakeholders and supporters across the 21 local government areas to remain calm, united and prayerful as it mourned the deceased.

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The SWC prayed for the repose of Idris’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Firdaus.

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