Bukar Abba Ibrahim, the former governor of Yobe State, has passed away at the age of 73, News About Nigeria reports.
According to an anonymous source, the former governor died in Saudi Arabia after a prolonged illness.
Bukar Abba Ibrahim served as the governor of Yobe State for two terms, from May 1999 to May 2007.
During his first term, on August 5, 1993, he restructured the state’s four emirates into 13, a decision later reversed by the military regime of Sani Abacha.
In his second term, after the return to democracy, on January 6, 2000, he successfully re-implemented the creation of new emirates, expanding the administrative divisions of Ngazargamu, Gujba, Nguru, Tikau, Pataskum, Yusufari, Gudi, Fune, and Jajere.
Following his tenure as governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim transitioned to the national stage, being elected to the Senate for the Yobe East constituency in 2007.
He successfully ran for re-election on April 9, 2011, in the Senatorial contest for Yobe East under the ANPP platform.
The news of his demise was confirmed by another source close to the family, who posted on Facebook, saying, “Inna lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun. Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim has passed away just now in Makkah. May Allah grant him peaceful repose and Jannatul Firdaus as his final abode. Amin Thumma Amin.”
Expressing his condolences, Yobe State Governor Mai Buni conveyed shock and regret at the loss of the former statesman.
The governor, through his DG, Press, and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, announced that Bukar Abba Ibrahim would be buried in Saudi Arabia, where he passed away while receiving treatment for a protracted illness.
Governor Buni directed the state government to take charge of all aspects of the funeral and condolences, ensuring that the late governor receives a state burial and honour.
He offered prayers, saying, “This is a huge loss for us at this time, but that is the wish of Allah, our creator. May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Aljannatu Firdaus.”
Governor Buni called on the people and friends of Yobe State to join in praying for the repose of the soul of the former governor during this period of mourning.
