Politics
Obituary: Tinubu Recalls Bamanga Tukur’s Colourful Foray Into Politics
who died at the age of 90..
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of elder statesman, businessman and former Governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, who died at the age of 90..
In a condolence message issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Tukur’s death as “the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.”
The President recalled Tukur’s “colourful foray into politics during the Second Republic”, which culminated in his election as Governor of the old Gongola State, now comprising Adamawa and Taraba states, in 1983.
Before his entry into politics, Tukur had established himself in public administration and the maritime sector, serving as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982.
Tinubu said Tukur helped modernise port operations and contributed to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector during his tenure.
The former governor later moved into the private sector, where he served as Chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests spanning manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
He also served as Federal Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.
Beyond Nigeria, Tukur played a prominent role in promoting African economic cooperation. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, where he advocated intra-African trade, private sector-led growth and sustainable development.
His political career also took him to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as National Chairman from March 2012 to January 2014.
Tinubu recalled Tukur’s contribution to the party and democracy during that period, describing his efforts as contributions to “enforcing party discipline and building consensus.”
The President described the late elder statesman as “urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear.”
“Alhaji Tukur was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance,” Tinubu said.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur was the Tafidan Adamawa and remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and business circles for several decades.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government and people, as well as the political and business communities in Nigeria and across Africa.
He prayed that Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family and other mourners
