Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Dr. Phillips Salawu, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his former principal, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his death as a colossal loss to the state and the nation at large.
In a condolence message released on Sunday, Salawu recalled their nearly nine-year joint tenure steering the affairs of the Confluence State from May 29, 2003, to January 27, 2012.
Salawu highlighted the seamless working relationship he shared with the late former governor, paying glowing tribute to Idris’s leadership style and commitment to public service.
“I had the privilege of serving under his tenure as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State,” Salawu stated. “We had a cordial relationship during our tenure of office. My Boss was a leader with the fear of God at heart and he governed the State with maturity, sensitivity, sensibility, prudence, decency, modesty, and a high sense of responsibility.”
The former deputy governor noted that Idris’s departure leaves a significant vacuum across the political landscape and within the communities he served.
“The demise of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris is a huge loss not only to his immediate family but to the entire Kogi State and Nigeria at large,” he added.
Offering prayers for the repose of the late elder statesman, Salawu extended heartfelt sympathies on behalf of his family and political associates to the bereaved family, the Igala Kingdom, as well as the government and citizens of Kogi State.
“May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace, amen,” Salawu prayed.
