Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and other prominent Nigerians gathered in Yola on Sunday to honour former Peoples Democratic Party national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who was laid to rest in the state capital.
Tukur was buried at his private residence after a Janazah prayer conducted by Islamic clerics and attended by dignitaries from different sectors.
Commercial activities across Yola were temporarily disrupted as thousands of Christians and Muslims gathered to pay their final respects to the former statesman, who died in Abuja on Saturday at the age of 90.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur would have turned 91 three days after his death. During his lifetime, he served as governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, Minister of Commerce and Tourism, Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority and national chairman of the PDP from 2012 to 2014.
Governor Fintiri led the Adamawa delegation to the burial, accompanied by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers at the national and state levels, as well as senior PDP stakeholders.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included former Adamawa Governor Muhammadu Bindow, Lamido of Adamawa Barkindo Mustapha, APC governorship candidate Ahmed Galadima, All Progressives Movement governorship candidate Abdulrahman Haske and other notable personalities.
In his tribute, former President Obasanjo described Tukur as a patriot and long-standing associate whose life reflected dedication to public service and a strong sense of responsibility.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday, Obasanjo said Tukur had distinguished himself through his commitment to Nigeria throughout his life.
“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 participated in the Janazah prayer, remembered Tukur as one of the pioneers 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.
Governor Fintiri also honoured Tukur as a father figure, mentor and builder of people, highlighting his contributions to the state and the country.
“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.
Fintiri subsequently declared three work-free days in the state beginning Monday, September 14, and announced plans by the government to immortalise the late elder statesman.
Former Governor Bindow, who governed Adamawa from 2015 to 2019, described Tukur as a political father whose advice and experience influenced successive administrations in the state.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu also mourned Tukur, describing his death as a significant loss that called for deep reflection.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday by his 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.”
Otu further highlighted Tukur’s role in promoting African business 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.
The governor also described the deceased as “a friend and stakeholder whose interests transcended geographical boundaries,” noting that his belief in Cross River’s economic prospects was reflected in his investments there.
“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 Adamawa State Government and its people, his wife and her Cross River relatives, as well as his political associates and members of the business community.
