Former Yobe Governor, Ibrahim Dies in Saudi Arabia

* Tinubu, Barau, Lawan mournDeji Elumoye,

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Michael Olugbode in Damaturu

A former Governor of Yobe State, Bukar Ibrahim, died yesterday in Saudi Arabia at the age of 75.
Ibrahim was first elected as governor of the state before the military truncated the fledging democracy following the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election. He ruled from January 1992 to November 1993.

He emerged as governor on return to democratic rule on May 29, 1999 and ruled for two terms until May 29, 2007.
He was subsequently elected into the National Assembly as Senator representing Yobe East Senatorial District from June 2007 to June 2019 and was largely perceived to be one of the greatest politicians to emerge from the state.

The news of his death was contained on the social platform of Gujba Emirate Council. It was also confirmed by a source from the Emirate. He was said to have died at the Medina Hospital in Saudi Arabia after an illness. Ibrahim was born October 1950.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has said he received with grief the news of the passing of Ibrahim.
The president, in a release issued on Sunday  by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, extended his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late senator and the government and people of Yobe state.

‘’Former Governor Ibrahim was a personal friend and a consummate leader who served the people of Yobe with dedication during his extensive political career.
”As a senator for 12 years, his wealth of experience was a guiding force in the National Assembly. Generations to come will remember him for always placing the progress and welfare of the people at the heart of his service,” he said.

Also, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, and the immediate past senate president, Ahmad Lawan, have commiserated with the government and people of Yobe State over the death of the former governor.
Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, described the deceased as an astute politician and leader who served the state and the country meritoriously.

Barau also  urged his family and all those he left behind to take solace in the fact that he lived a righteous life dedicated to the service of God and humanity.
He said, “Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim dedicated his life to the service of Allah, humanity, the state and the country as a whole.
“As a governor, he worked for the transformation of Yobe state and as a senator, he contributed immensely to law-making and other parliamentary activities throughout his 12 years in the Upper Chamber.

Similarly, the Senator representing Yobe North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ahmad Lawan, described the deceased as a dedicated politician and public servant who recorded significant achievements as governor.

He said Ibrahim was also an outstanding legislator and a bridge builder who worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.
The statement reads: “I received the shocking news of the death of former Governor of Yobe State, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, with a heavy heart.
“Senator Ibrahim was a committed leader, and a dedicated politician and public servant who contributed immensely to the development of Yobe State and Nigeria in general.

“During his tenure as governor from 1999 to 2007, Yobe State witnessed significant progress in various sectors, including education, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

“He introduced a free education programme in Yobe State in 2004, which provided free education to primary and secondary school students in the state. This programme helped to increase school enrolment and reduce the illiteracy rate in the state.
“He was an outstanding legislator who represented Yobe East Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2007 to 2019. He served as Chairman and Member of several Senate Committees.

“Senator Ibrahim was a true democrat and a bridge builder who worked tirelessly to promote unity, peace, and progress in Nigeria. He will be sorely missed for his immense contributions to the development of his senatorial district, our dear state, and Nigeria,” Lawan said.