President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, describing him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
Tukur, who also served as governor of the old Gongola State and Minister of Industries, died on Saturday at the age of 90.
In a condolence statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said Tukur’s public career spanned administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur served as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982. According to the President, he made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector during his tenure.
Tukur later entered partisan politics and was elected governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, before the state was eventually divided into what are now Adamawa and Taraba states.
President Tinubu described the late politician as an urbane and generous man whose life reflected the values of integrity and public service.
He said Tukur was also a man of “big ideas and bold enterprise” who believed strongly in Nigeria’s potential.
Tinubu said the country would miss Tukur’s counsel, experience and fatherly guidance, while extending his condolences to the deceased’s family, the people of Adamawa and the wider Nigerian political community.
