President Bola Tinubu has described the death of former Gongola State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman, Bamanga Tukur, at age 90 as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
Tinubu described Tukur as a “towering figure” who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, died on Saturday, prompting tributes to the elder statesman whose career spanned public administration, politics, business and pan-African economic leadership.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said that Tukur’s leadership of the PDP reflected his commitment to party discipline and consensus-building.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear,” the President said.
“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.”
The President extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate, the Adamawa State Government and people, as well as the political and business communities across Nigeria and Africa.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give his family and other mourners the fortitude to bear the loss.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur rose to national prominence as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982, where he contributed to the modernisation of port operations and the maritime sector.
He later entered politics and was elected governor of the old Gongola State, comprising present-day Adamawa and Taraba states, in 1983. His administration was terminated by the military coup that ended the Second Republic that same year.
Tukur later returned to public service as Minister of Industries from 1993 to 1995 under the administration of the late General Sani Abacha.
He also built a strong presence in the private sector as chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
On the continental stage, Tukur championed African economic integration, serving as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.
He was also national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from March 2012 to January 2014.