The Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, has confirmed the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, declaring three days of mourning in honour of the elder statesman.
Fintiri said that Tukur, who was also the first civilian governor of the defunct Gongola State, died at the age 90 after a brief illness.
Fintiri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Saturday, confirmed the elder statesman’s demise, describing his death as a monumental loss to Adamawa State and Nigeria.
The governor said Tukur’s death had robbed the state and the country of an accomplished businessman, politician and elder statesman whose contributions to public service spanned several decades.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was a colossus who made remarkable contributions to the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria. His wealth of experience, wisdom and commitment to public service earned him a place of honour in our national history,” Fintiri said.
The governor added that he would personally miss Tukur’s counsel and experience on issues affecting the state and the nation.
“I will personally miss his wise counsel and the depth of experience he brought to matters concerning our state and nation. His passing has left a significant void that will be difficult to fill,” he said.
In recognition of Tukur’s contributions, Fintiri declared three days of mourning across Adamawa State, directing that government flags be flown at half-mast during the period.
The governor extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, associates and the people of Adamawa State, urging them to draw strength from his legacy of service and leadership.
Tukur was born on September 15, 1935, and began his public service career at the Nigerian Ports Authority, where he rose to become General Manager between 1975 and 1982.
He later ventured into elective politics and won the governorship election in the defunct Gongola State in 1983. His administration, however, was cut short by the military coup of December 1983.
Following his exit from public office, Tukur established BHI Holdings, popularly known as the DADDO Group of Companies, and became prominent in the private sector.
He returned to government in 1993 when he was appointed Minister of Industries under the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha, serving until 1995.
Tukur also played a prominent role in continental economic affairs, serving as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, while holding advisory positions with international trade organisations.
He became national chairman of the PDP in March 2012 with the backing of then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
His tenure as chairman ended in January 2014 when he resigned amid prolonged internal disputes and factional tensions within the ruling party.
The late politician was also the Tafidan Adamawa and was honoured by the Federal Government with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He was also conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Mono (COM) by the Republic of Togo.