President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman and ex- Governor of the defunct Gongola State, Bamanga Tukur, describing him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
Tukur, who also served as minister of industries and general manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), died on Saturday at the age of 90.
In a condolence statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Tukur’s career reflected decades of contributions to public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.
The president recalled Tukur’s tenure as NPA general manager between 1975 and 1982, noting his contribution to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Tukur later ventured into politics and was elected governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, before the state was eventually split into present-day Adamawa and Taraba States.
Describing the late politician as urbane and generous, Tinubu said Tukur remains deeply committed to integrity, service and Nigeria’s development.
“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,” the president said.
Beyond public office, Tukur was involved in the private sector as chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests spanning manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
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He also contributed to continental business development, serving as executive president of the African Business Roundtable and chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.
Tukur became national chairman of the PDP in March 2012 and served until January 2014 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate, the Adamawa State government, and members of Nigeria’s political and business communities.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family and other mourners.
Tukur’s family had earlier announced his death in a statement signed by his son, Awwal D. Tukur.
