The family of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has announced that his remains will be buried on Sunday as tributes pour in in remembrance of his political and business footprints.
Tukur, a former governor of the old Gongola State, died after a brief illness, three days before his 91st birthday. His son and Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Auwal Tukur, announced the burial arrangements in a statement issued in Yola.
Tukur, born on September 15, 1935, served as the third civilian governor of the former Gongola State from October to December 1983. He later served as Minister of Industries and held several other public and business positions. He had two wives and 18 children.
President Bola Tinubu mourned the death of the elder statesman, describing him as a towering figure whose distinguished career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.
The President recalled that Tukur helped modernise port operations and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s maritime sector during his tenure.
He also recalled Tukur’s entry into politics during the Second Republic, culminating in his election as Governor of old Gongola State in 1983.
Tinubu said Tukur later distinguished himself in the private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and DADDO Group of Companies.
The companies had interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading, while Tukur also served as Minister of Industries from 1993 to 1995.
On the continental stage, Tinubu described Tukur as an eloquent champion of Africa’s economic renaissance and a strong advocate of private sector-led growth.
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He said Tukur, as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, promoted intra-African trade and sustainable development.
Tinubu also recalled Tukur’s service as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from March 2012 to January 2014.
He said Tukur made sterling contributions to Nigeria’s democracy through his efforts to promote party discipline and build consensus.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear.
“He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance,” Tinubu said.
The President extended his condolences to the Tukur family, Fombina Emirate, and the government and people of Adamawa.
He also commiserated with Nigeria’s political and business communities and their counterparts across Africa over the loss.
Reacting to his death, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri described it as “a monumental loss to Adamawa and Nigeria.”
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, Fintiri described Tukur as an elder statesman, accomplished businessman and distinguished politician who made significant contributions to the development of Adamawa and Nigeria.
The governor said he would personally miss Tukur’s counsel and experience on matters concerning the state and the nation, adding that his death had created a significant void.
Fintiri also declared three days of mourning across Adamawa in honour of the late statesman and directed that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the period.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also mourning Tukur, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, described his death as a great loss to Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said Tukur died at a time when the country needed the wisdom and experience of the older generation of leaders.
He highlighted Tukur’s contributions to Nigeria’s political, administrative and economic development through his roles as governor, Minister of Industries, businessman and later national chairman of the PDP.
The former Senate President said Tukur’s record reflected a life devoted to public service and national development, while commiserating with his family, the Adamawa State Government and his political associates.
The PDP also mourned its former national chairman, with statements issued by both the Nyesom Wike-backed leadership and the Tanimu Turaki-led faction.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, described Tukur as a distinguished statesman, administrator, businessman and committed member of the PDP whose public service spanned several decades.
Mohammed recalled that Tukur served as Chief Executive/General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, governor of the old Gongola State and Minister of Industries.
He also served as president of the Africa Business Roundtable and chairman of the NEPAD Business Group before becoming PDP national chairman in 2012.
He said Tukur led the party until his resignation in January 2014, noting that he brought his institutional knowledge and experience to the leadership of the PDP during an important period in the party’s political history.
The Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, in a separate statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, described Tukur as a man whose political and professional career spanned several sectors.
Ememobong highlighted his roles in ports administration, international trade, industries and politics, describing his death at 90 as “a statesman’s farewell.”
He also recalled a recent interaction with Tukur, saying the former PDP chairman had reiterated his belief in the party and urged its leadership to keep its flag flying.
Tukur’s death has drawn condolences from political leaders and the PDP, while preparations continue for his burial in Yola on Sunday.
NAN
