Bamanga Tukur Photo: WhatsApp
By Abdullahi Abubakar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Northern Governors have mourned the death of elder statesman, businessman and former Governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, who died at the age of 90.
Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, was born on September 15, 1935, and rose to prominence through a career spanning public administration, politics, business and pan-African economic advocacy.
In a condolence statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Tukur’s death as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
The President recalled that Tukur served as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, where he contributed to the modernisation of port operations and the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Tukur later ventured into politics during the Second Republic and was elected Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. The state was subsequently divided into Adamawa and Taraba states.
He also made his mark in the private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests spanning manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
The late elder statesman subsequently served as Federal Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1995.
On the continental stage, Tukur was recognised for his advocacy of Africa’s economic development and private-sector-led growth. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, where he championed intra-African trade and sustainable development.
Tukur also served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from March 2012 to January 2014.
Tinubu said the deceased made significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development during his tenure as PDP chairman, particularly through efforts to enforce 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,” the President said.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government and people, as well as the political and business communities in Nigeria and across Africa.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family and other mourners.
In the sane vein, the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, (Tafidan Adamawa).
In a condolence message issued on behalf of his counterparts, Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the NNGF, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the death of the elder statesman as a profound loss to the North and the nation.
In the statement signed by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yaya said Nigeria had lost one of its most experienced public servants, political leaders and champions of economic development.
He noted that the late Bamanga Tukur’s public service spanned more than six decades, during which he served the country in several critical capacities, including as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Governor of the old Gongola State and Minister of Industries.
Governor Yahaya also acknowledged his contributions to Africa’s economic development through the Africa Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group, as well as his leadership of the PDP as National Chairman from 2012 to 2014.
According to him, Tukur’s vast experience in public administration, politics, business and continental affairs established him as one of the prominent figures of his generation whose contributions will remain part of Nigeria’s history.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur lived a long and impactful life, serving Nigeria in several critical capacities and contributing significantly to the growth of our economy, institutions and political development.”
“His wealth of experience, wisdom and commitment to public service will be greatly missed. His death is a great loss to the North and the entire nation,” he said.
Yahaya commiserated with the government and people of Adamawa State, the Tukur family, friends and associates of the deceased, praying Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his lifetime of service to humanity and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
