President Hails Ex-Gongola Governor as a ‘Towering Figure’ in Nigeria’s Political and Economic History
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, describing him as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
Tukur, a former governor of the old Gongola State and Minister of Industries, died on Saturday at the age of 90.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Tukur as a “towering figure” whose career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur served as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, where he contributed to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He was elected governor of the old Gongola State in 1983 before the state was later divided into present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.
President Tinubu described Tukur as urbane and generous, saying he was deeply committed to integrity, service and Nigeria’s development.
The late elder statesman also held leadership positions in the private sector, including Chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, playing a role in continental business advocacy.
Tukur was National Chairman of the PDP from March 2012 to January 2014 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
President Tinubu commiserated with the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government and Nigeria’s political and business communities.
He prayed for the repose of Tukur’s soul and asked Allah to grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family and other mourners.