The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has declared a 40-day mourning period for former Governor Ibrahim Idris and constituted an 11-man Central Planning Committee to coordinate his condolence and burial activities.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the party’s State Working Committee on Wednesday at the PDP secretariat in Lokoja.
The meeting was presided over by the State Chairman, Muhammed Gambo, who signed the communiqué alongside the State Secretary, Sunday Ibrahim.
The SWC said it received the news of Idris’s death with shock and described the former governor, popularly known as “Baba PDP”, as a father, leader, political colossus, bridge-builder and founding figure of the PDP in Kogi State.
The party also described him as a detribalised Nigerian and said his administration, which lasted from 2003 to 2012, contributed to development, peace and political inclusion in the state.
The SWC commiserated with Idris’s immediate family, the Ibro family, the national PDP, the Kogi State Government and residents of the state.
As part of the resolutions, the party directed that PDP flags at its state secretariat, the 21 local government secretariats and ward secretariats across Kogi be flown at half-mast from Wednesday until 40 days after the former governor’s burial.
The party also approved an 11-man Central Planning Committee to coordinate the burial arrangements.
Gambo will serve as chairman of the committee, while Ibrahim will serve as secretary.
Other members are Yahaya Karaku, Paul Ukwenya, Anthony M. Akuvada, Yunusa Adazaki, Toluhi Michael Segun, Audu Siyaka Uhanaye, Esther Abimbola Soje, Igagu Idris and Saba Ibrahim.
The committee was mandated to liaise with Idris’s family and the Kogi State Government to ensure a befitting burial for the former governor.
“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 stated.
The PDP also commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the state government for steps taken to accord Idris a state burial.
According to the party, the gesture reflected Idris’s status as a former governor and elder statesman who served Kogi State.
The SWC urged party members, stakeholders and supporters across the 21 local government areas to remain calm, united and prayerful during the mourning period.
The party prayed for the repose of Idris’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Firdaus.
