Elder statesman, Bamanga Tukur
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have paid glowing tributes to the late elder statesman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing his death as a great loss to Nigeria.
In separate condolence messages on Sunday, both leaders praised the former Governor of old Gongola State for his decades of service to the nation and his contributions to governance, business and economic development across Africa.
Obi said he received the news of Tukur’s passing with sadness, noting that the late politician left behind a lasting legacy through his service in both the public and private sectors.
“I just read the sad news of the death of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, CON, a distinguished statesman, former Governor of Gongola State, and veteran business leader. His decades of service to our nation, both in the public sector and through his extensive contributions to African commerce, have left an enduring legacy.”
The former Anambra State governor extended his condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Adamawa State.
“My heart goes out to the Tukur family, the government, and the people of Adamawa State during this time of grief. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss.”
Also mourning the late statesman, Atiku described Tukur as a patriotic leader whose career reflected dedication to national service and African economic development.
According to the former vice president, Tukur served Nigeria in several strategic positions, including at the Nigerian Ports Authority, as Governor of the old Gongola State and as Minister of Industries.
“Nigeria has lost an elder statesman.”
“Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, Tafidan Adamawa, served this country at the Nigerian Ports Authority, as Governor of the old Gongola State, as Minister of Industries, and as a champion of African enterprise long before it became fashionable to speak of intra-African trade.”
Atiku further said the late politician represented a generation of leaders who saw public office as a responsibility to serve.
“He belonged to a generation that understood public service as duty rather than reward.”
He prayed for the repose of Tukur’s soul and expressed sympathy to his family, the Fombina Emirate, the Adamawa State Government and all those affected by his passing.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. My condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate, the Government and people of Adamawa State, and his associates across Nigeria and Africa.”
Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, a former governor, businessman and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s influential political and business leaders. His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders and associates across the country.
