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• Ohakim, ADC, APC candidates pay tributes, PDP candidate suspends campaign
From Billy Abel, Yola
The remains of elder statesman, former governor of the defunct Gongola State and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, were laid to rest in Yola, Adamawa State, yesterday, as the state began three days of mourning for one of its most prominent political figures.
Tukur, who died on Saturday at the age of 90, three days before his 91st birthday, was buried after funeral prayers at the Lamido’s Palace, Yola, amid an outpouring of tributes from political leaders across party lines.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, declared three days of mourning in honour of the elder statesman and directed that flags at government establishments across the state be flown at half-mast during the period.
Fintiri described Tukur’s death as a monumental loss to Adamawa and Nigeria, saying his courage, foresight, patriotism and commitment to public service had left an enduring legacy.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was a colossus who made remarkable contributions to the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria. His wealth of experience, wisdom and commitment to public service earned him a place of honour in our national history.
“I will personally miss his wise counsel and the depth of experience he brought to matters concerning our state and nation. His passing has left a significant void that will be difficult to fill,” Fintiri said. The governor extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, friends and associates and prayed Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Former Imo State governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, also mourned Tukur, recalling his strong belief that party supremacy should take precedence over the personal interests of political actors.
In a statement issued in Owerri, Ohakim described Tukur as a “resilient politician and administrator who served the nation with dedication and honesty.”
According to him, the former PDP chairman was “a disciplinarian who believed that party supremacy, and not the personal idiosyncrasies of political actors, should be the guiding principle in partisan politics.”
The PDP governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Chief Maurice Vunobolki, also suspended all campaign activities for three days in honour of the former PDP national chairman.
Vunobolki described Tukur as a father, leader and statesman whose life was deeply connected to the political and developmental history of Adamawa and Nigeria.
He said the death had created a significant void in the political and social life of the state, urging the Tukur family, people of Adamawa and members of the PDP to take solace in his enduring legacy.
Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Amb. Omar Suleiman, described Tukur’s death as a profound loss to Adamawa, the North-East and Nigeria.
“The passing of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is a profound loss to Adamawa State and Nigeria. He was a distinguished elder statesman whose life reflected decades of service to our people and nation.”
Suleiman urged Nigerians to look beyond political differences in mourning Tukur and remember his contributions to public life.
“Adamawa has lost one of its prominent sons, and Nigeria has lost a voice and a repository of valuable experience,” he added.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, similarly described Tukur as a consummate statesman whose career transcended partisan politics.
In a condolence message signed by his media aide, Adamu Sambo, Galadima recalled Tukur’s service as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), his election as governor of the old Gongola State and his subsequent service as Minister of Industries.
“For Adamawa, his passing is particularly painful; we have lost an elder whose footprints are deeply embedded in the political and developmental history of our state. His life reminds us that public service is ultimately about the enduring impact we leave behind.”
Galadima commended Fintiri for declaring three days of mourning, describing the decision as a fitting recognition of Tukur’s stature and contributions.
Tukur’s tenure as PDP national chairman between 2012 and January 2014 coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in the then ruling party, including the emergence of the breakaway “New PDP” following disagreements between some governors and the party leadership.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur had a career spanning public administration, business and politics.
He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982 and was elected governor of the defunct Gongola State in 1983. His tenure was cut short by the military coup of December 31, 1983.
He later served as Minister of Industries and became National Chairman of the PDP in 2012, holding the position until January 2014.
Beyond government and partisan politics, Tukur played prominent roles in the organised private sector and continental business organisations, including the African Business Roundtable and NEPAD Business Group.
The Tafidan Adamawa and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) is survived by two wives and 18 children, including the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Awwal Tukur.
