Ex-PDP chair Tukur buried, Obasanjo, Dangote, Fintiri pay tributes

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, and a host of others rendered tributes as former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, was buried in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Sunday.

The burial at Tukur’s private residence was preceded by a Janazah prayer led by Islamic clerics, which was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.

Business activities were temporarily shut down in Yola, as both Christian and Muslim faithful turned out in the thousands to pay Tukur their last respects.

Tukur died on Saturday in Abuja at the age of 90.

The deceased was born on September 15, 1935, and would have turned 91 three days after his death.

He served as governor of Old Gongola State in 1983, Minister of Commerce and Tourism, PDP national chairman between 2012 and 2014, and Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority.

Fintiri led the state delegation, comprising members of the State Executive Council, National and State Assembly members, and top PDP stakeholders, to the burial.

Also in attendance were former governor of Adamawa State, Muhammadu Bindow; Lamido of Adamawa, Barkindo Mustapha; the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Ahmed Galadima; the All Progressives Movement governorship candidate, Abdulrahman Haske; and other dignitaries.

In his tribute, former President Obasanjo mourned the loss of a long-time associate whom he described as a patriot, whose life was a testament to patriotism, unwavering commitment and stellar public service.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday, Obasanjo noted that the former PDP chairman, throughout his life, carried himself with an unmistakable sense of duty.

“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,” Obasanjo said.

Dangote, who attended the Janazah prayer, described Tukur as a pioneer of private enterprise in Northern Nigeria.

“He was an engineer in private industry, in job creation, in building Nigeria. He opened doors for many of us in business,” he said.

Fintiri described the late Tukur as a father, mentor and builder of men.

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“From NPA to Government House, from the boardroom to PDP national secretariat, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur served Nigeria with distinction.

“Adamawa has lost an Iroko tree. His wisdom, generosity and commitment to development will be greatly missed,” he said.

The governor announced three work-free days beginning on Monday, September 14, adding that the state government would immortalise the late elder statesman.

Bindow, who served as Governor of Adamawa from 2015 to 2019, also described Tukur as a political father whose counsel and experience benefited successive administrations in the state.

On his part, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, said Tukur’s loss was profound for Nigeria and demanded solemn reflection.

In a condolence statement on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, Otu described Tukur as “a statesman of considerable stature whose contributions helped shape important chapters of Nigeria’s political and economic history.”

He also acknowledged Tukur’s considerable contributions to African enterprise and investment, particularly through his leadership of the Africa Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.

“His engagements on the continental stage demonstrated his commitment to expanding opportunities for African business and advancing the economic development of the continent.

“Tukur’s death carried a special significance for Cross River because of his familial ties to the state through his wife and his substantial investments in the state,” he stated.

He described him as “a friend and stakeholder whose interests transcended geographical boundaries,” noting that his confidence in Cross River’s economic potential found expression in investments that contributed to the state’s development.

“His affection for Cross River and his confidence in its vast potential further distinguished him as a friend and stakeholder.

“His relationship with Cross River was not merely familial; it was also one expressed through enterprise, investment and a genuine belief in the possibilities of our people. His connection to the state and legacy would remain valued,” the governor said.

Otu extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the government and people of Adamawa State, his wife and her Cross River family, political associates and the business community.