President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former governor of the old Gongola State, elder statesman and businessman, Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, who died at the age of 90.
Tinubu described Tukur’s death as the close of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political, economic and business history.
In a Saturday statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Tukur’s career reflected decades of service across public administration, governance, politics, industry and African business.
Tukur served as governor of the old Gongola State, which was later divided into Adamawa and Taraba states, after winning election in 1983 during the Second Republic.
Beyond his political career, the former governor was also recognised for his involvement in business and his advocacy for stronger economic cooperation across Africa.
Tinubu noted that Tukur consistently promoted intra-African trade, private sector development and sustainable economic growth, describing him as a strong voice for Africa’s economic advancement.
The President also recalled Tukur’s leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as National Chairman from March 2012 to January 2014.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear.
“He 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.
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The President extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the government and people of Adamawa State, as well as members of Nigeria’s political and business communities.
He also commiserated with Tukur’s associates and the wider African business community over the loss of the elder statesman.