Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called on public office holders in Nigeria to evaluate their service by the lives they improve, the institutions they build, and the doors they open for future generations. She made this statement during a Senate plenary session on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, while paying tribute to the late former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris, who died on September 20, 2026, in the United Kingdom at the age of 77. The tribute session was led by Senator Jibrin Isah of Kogi East.
Senator Natasha's Reflection on Ibrahim Idris's Legacy
During the tribute, Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the enduring lessons from the late governor's life, emphasizing that leadership is ultimately measured by the lives touched, institutions strengthened, and opportunities created for future generations. She also underscored Idris's significant place in Kogi's political history, urging colleagues to remember the chapter he wrote in the state's history and the lessons his journey offers to those entrusted with public responsibility.
Before offering this broader reflection, the senator framed the loss in immediate terms, calling the death a heavy blow to Kogi State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Nigeria as a whole. According to The Punch, Natasha said: "The passing of His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, is a profound loss to Kogi State, the Peoples Democratic Party and indeed Nigeria."
Context of the Tribute and Senate Resumption
Idris, widely known as Ibro, governed Kogi State from 2003 to January 2012 under the PDP, making him one of the longest-serving governors in the state's history. He was buried in Abuja on September 25, 2026. The tribute session came as the National Assembly resumed plenary following an extended recess, marking one of the first major sittings since lawmakers returned to Abuja.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Senator Natasha mourned Idris's death in a condolence statement issued on the date of his death. She described him as a significant figure in Kogi's political history and the PDP, noting that his years of public service left an enduring mark on the state. The tribute session was part of the Senate's formal recognition of Idris's contributions to governance and public life in Nigeria.
