Former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing him as a patriot and colossus of public service.
The seasoned entrepreneur and politician died on Saturday, three days before his 91st birthday.
Tukur was born on September 15, 1935, in Adamawa State, and served as governor of the old Gongola State during the Second Republic after being elected in 1982.
His tenure was cut short by the military coup of December 1983.
Obasanjo, in a statement on Sunday titled, ‘Tribute to a colossus of public service and industrial development: Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’, issued on by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said he received the news of Tukur’s death with profound loss and deep reflection.
Obasanjo described the late elder statesman as his long-time associate and compatriot whose life was a testament to patriotism, unwavering commitment and stellar public service.
“Throughout his long career, which spanned across governance, international business, and political leadership, he carried himself with an unmistakable sense of duty,” Obasanjo stated.
The former President recalled Tukur’s transformative years as head of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, and his tenure as civilian governor of the defunct Gongola State and later as Minister of Industries, noting that his focus remained on national productivity and progress.
He said their paths crossed decisively during the formative and challenging eras of the nation’s democratic journey, particularly when Tukur served as PDP National Chairman.
“While politics often brought robust debates and differing perspectives on the direction of our party and nation, I never for once doubted his foundational love for Nigeria. He was an institutional pillar who stood tall in the face of political storms,” he added.
Obasanjo also highlighted Tukur’s leadership as Chairman of the African Business Roundtable, which he said demonstrated his vision for economic independence and Pan-African integration.
“With his passing, Nigeria has lost a colossus and a bridge-builder. He has run his race, made his mark, and left an indelible footprint in the history of our republic,” he said.
He, on behalf of his family, extended condolences to the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State and political associates across the nation.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant his soul eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear this monumental loss,” Obasanjo prayed.
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