Makinde mourns former PDP chairman Tukur

Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate Seyi Makinde has expressed sadness over the death of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Digital Communication), Anthony Ehilebo, described the late PDP former chairman as a national icon, who gave his all to the country.

According to him, the departed elder statesman made immeasurable contributions to the stability, as well as economic and democratic development of Nigeria.

“Alhaji Tukur stood tall as an awe-inspiring personality and leader — a national icon and global torchbearer who bestrode the business and political worlds like a colossus. He played indelible roles and made immeasurable legacy contributions, dedicating his intellect, expertise, personal resources and energy to the unity, stability, and economic and democratic development of not only our dear nation, Nigeria, but of Africa and the wider world.

“Indeed, a star has passed. Our nation, Africa and humanity have lost one of our best and brightest. Alhaji Tukur was an undefeated optimist, a man of practical ideas and solutions to national issues. He gave his all for the good of our nation and remained dedicated to this cause to the very end.

“Through his years of service — as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries, Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and numerous other top political and business leadership positions — Alhaji Tukur demonstrated unmatched integrity, vision and excellence, and lived as a source of inspiration, especially for the contemporary generation of leaders.

“We are indeed pained that this great Nigerian left the scene at a time when his wealth of experience, wise counsel, tutelage and prayers are needed the most in the life of our nation.

“Nevertheless, we take solace in the many legacies he left behind, and in the fact that he lived as a devout Muslim and led a successful and fulfilling life of service to our nation and humanity,” Makinde, who is also the Oyo State governor, stated.