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When he ventured into the political terrain in 2003, little did Kogites know that the entrepreneurial wisdom and successes of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (Ibro) in the private sector were feasible in the public sphere in view of the volatile nature of the public offices in Nigeria.
Though, before this time, the business mogul had been involved in series of humanitarian gestures, and has hugely contributed to human capital development. He had proven, even before he ventured into politics that he is an embodiment and good example of people needed for good governance in public offices.
To the hospitality guru, it was good enough that he remained the philanthropist that he is well known. With the milk of human kindness that he is endowed with by the almighty creator, Ibro would have preferred to remain on the side of the people rather than succumbing to the pressures from his people to go into politics.
However, as a smart and intelligent man, he quickly understood that, venturing into politics would afford him the opportunity to do more for his people whom he dearly loved, by judicious application of public resources.
Nevertheless, his decision to succumb to the will of his people did not come easy. It took series of emissaries, pleas and courtesy calls, which spanned almost a decade, for him to accede to their request to join politics. At the point he succumbed, it was already obvious that, through philanthropism, he was already doing what a public officer could offer through selfless service of immeasurable quantum.
One, he was already a leading employer of labour through his massive exploits in tourism and hotel business, which spread across the northern part of Nigeria and the FCT.
Second, his passion for lifting many out of poverty circle through various forms of empowerment scheme was not in doubt. Consequent upon this resolve, His Excellency, Ibrahim Idris, floated empowerment outlets and skill acquisition centres for the emancipation of youths from the iron-grip of poverty.
The election that heralded Ibro’s administration in 2003, stands as a record breaker till date. It was a landslide victory that could not be questioned. It was like referendum by his people that gave him the mandate to extend his philantrophic and administrative wisdom that stood him out in the private sector to the public sector.
Ibro’s victory in that election was a validation of the ‘time tested’ truth that, “One good turn deserves another.”
Mindful of the fact that, “trust is a burden,” Governor Idris moved swiftly, without delay, to justify his known empowerment and skill acquisition zeal by rolling out formidable and robust youth programs to keep them off the street aside engaging them in available political appointments to enable them realise their potentials.
For the first four years of his administration, Idris kept the flame of leadership burning at the Lugard House, as Kogi Government House is fondly called. His landmark achievements, made his re-election in the 2007 Kogi State governorship election, a walkover. The state workers and pensioners demonstrated that Gov Ibro was their messiah with their massive solidarity vote. Even when his opponent went to court, he triumphed at every stage. As matter of fact, he defeated his ‘political iroko’ opponent at three consecutive elections.
Because of the humane and people oriented policies of his government, he never lacked the overwhelming support of his people for the nine years he stayed at the Lugard House.
Overwhelmed by the show of love, support and cooperation of his people, Gov Ibro committed himself to reciprocate the people’s gesture. By the time curtain fell on his administration in 2012, he had virtually transformed all areas of human endeavours in the state, through provision of critical infrastructures.
In appreciation of his performances, Kogites decided to install him, the ‘political kingmaker of Kogi politics. This was evident in his ability to install a successor, in the person of Capt. Idris Wada.
Because of his large heartedness, particularly, in the area of human capital development, side by side with economic empowerment, Alhaji Idris took on the role of political leadership and father of all. He became prominent by installing many political representations across the state in Local, State and Federal with regard to elective positions.
Outside public office, former governor, Ibrahim Idris is now playing an active role of party elder along with statesman role portraying unrepentant support for the welfare of the people.
Additionally, he has remained consistent in his support for the PDP, not minding its dismal performance at 2015 election both in Kogi and at the federal level.
The former Kogi governor has brokered peace in the series of crises that engulfed the PDP, after loosing election in 2015. Alhaji Idris personally took control of the running of the party’s affairs, dishing out elderly advice that would prepare the party, as it prepares to return to power in the state in 2019.
The most prominent role was the recent major reorganisation and repackaging of the party through the successful conduct of ward and local government congresses, free of rancour. In addition to winning new supporters for the party, virtually all former aggrieved members that left the party have returned to the party.
His financial and moral support along with other incentives to major players and supporters of the PDP, have continued to wax stronger across the state and nationally, earning him the best ‘political maradona’ of our time.
No wonder, the political bulldozer’s residence and office have become a beehive of activities for politicians seeking for endorsements, advise, encouragement and wisdom to run for elective positions.
– Usman Okai Austin
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