By Ighomuaye Lucky O.
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa and former Governor of the old Gongola State, died on Saturday.
President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Tukur’s death as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
Tinubu said the late elder statesman made significant contributions to public administration, politics, business, industry and Africa’s economic development.
The President particularly highlighted Tukur’s contribution to Nigeria’s maritime sector during his tenure as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982.
Tukur later ventured into politics and was elected Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983.
The state was subsequently divided into present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.
He also held a number of prominent positions in the private and public sectors.
He chaired BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with business interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
Between 1993 and 1995, Tukur served as Federal Minister of Industries under the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha.
His influence extended beyond Nigeria, as he served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, where he promoted intra-African trade, private sector development and sustainable economic growth.
Tukur later became a major figure in Nigerian partisan politics, serving as National Chairman of the PDP from March 2012 until January 2014.
According to Tinubu, Tukur contributed to Nigeria’s democratic development during his tenure as PDP chairman by promoting party discipline and consensus-building.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
The President commiserated with Tukur’s family, the Fombina Emirate, the Adamawa State Government and people, as well as members of Nigeria’s political and business communities and his associates across Africa.
Tinubu also prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and grant his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Culled from Sun
