President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of elder statesman, renowned businessman and former Governor of defunct Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, died three days to his 91st birthday, with Tinubu describing his death as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s history.
This is contained in a statement issued by the President’s Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.
Tinubu described Tukur as a towering figure whose distinguished career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur rose to national prominence as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982.
The President recalled that Tukur helped modernise port operations and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s maritime sector during his tenure.
He also recalled Tukur’s entry into politics during the Second Republic, culminating in his election as Governor of old Gongola State in 1983.
Tinubu said Tukur later distinguished himself in the private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and DADDO Group of Companies.
The companies had interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading, while Tukur also served as Minister of Industries from 1993 to 1995.
On the continental stage, Tinubu described Tukur as an eloquent champion of Africa’s economic renaissance and a strong advocate of private sector-led growth.
He said Tukur, as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, promoted intra-African trade and sustainable development.
Tinubu also recalled Tukur’s service as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from March 2012 to January 2014.
He said Tukur made sterling contributions to Nigeria’s democracy through his efforts to promote party discipline and build consensus.
“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.
The President extended his condolences to the Tukur family, Fombina Emirate, and the government and people of Adamawa.
He also commiserated with Nigeria’s political and business communities and their counterparts across Africa over the loss.
Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant his soul Aljannah Firdaus and comfort all those mourning his passing.
Also, Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Tukur.
In a condolence message on Sunday, Shettima said Tukur’s demise was not just a loss to Adamawa or the Fombina Emirate, but a monumental loss to Nigeria and the African continent.
The vice president described the death of the elder statesman as a huge loss to Nigeria, adding that the deceased was a “true patriot, a global citizen and an institution in his own right.
“I am deeply grieved by the passing of our father, mentor and one of Nigeria’s greatest institution-builders, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, CON, who returned to his Creator three days shy of his 91st birthday.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur lived a life of impact in three distinct but interlinked worlds — as a technocrat who built Nigeria’s modern maritime infrastructure.
“And as a statesman and politician who governed with vision, and as a pan-African business leader who put Africa’s private sector on the world map,” he stated.
The vice president paid growing tribute to Tukur’s service to the nation.
According to him, “Nigerians of my generation will never forget that in 1975, when Nigerian ports were gridlocked by the infamous cement armada, a young, brilliant Bamanga Tukur was called to lead the Nigerian Ports Authority.
“He did not just clear the congestion; he built for the future.”
Shettima recalled that, as General Manager and Chief Executive of the NPA from 1975 to 1982, Tukur conceived and delivered the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
According to Shettima, Tukur also modernised Apapa, Warri, Calabar, Sapele and Onne ports, and expanded the nation’s cargo-handling capacity.
“That singular intervention saved the Nigerian economy from collapse and created the gateway that still powers our trade today.
“In doing so, he became the first African Vice President and later a global icon in the International Association of Ports and Harbours in Tokyo, flying Nigeria’s flag high at a time when few Africans had such an opportunity. “
On Tukur’s political career, Shettima recalled that although his tenure as governor of the old Gongola State “was cut short by the military intervention of December 1983.
“Tukur’s vision for rural development and education left an enduring mark.”
The vice president extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Adamawa Government and the people of the state.
Shettima assured the government and people of Adamawa that Nigeria would never forget Bamanga Tukur.
He prayed that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, overlook his transgressions, grant his gentle soul Aljannatul Firdaus, and give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
