The two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Allied People’s Movement (APM), and the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Senator David Mark, described the death of the former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Tukur, also former governor of old Gongola State, died on Saturday at the age of 90.
PDP in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee (INWC), Ini Ememobong, noted the prominent roles Tukur played in shaping policies and projects in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly ports administration, international trade and industries.
“He was a man of many parts whose political profile was as rich as his professional record,” the party said.
It described his death as painful, stating that he reiterated his unflinching belief in the PDP as the truly national party capable of providing solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, during an interactive meeting with him.
The Nyesom Wike backed PDP in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Jungund Mohammed, noted that Tukur was a towering figure whose remarkable public service career spanned several decades.
“Beyond his contributions to public administration, Alhaji Tukur also distinguished himself in the private sector and international business community, including his service as President of the Africa Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, among other important responsibilities.
“He was elected National Chairman of the PDP in 2012, and led the party until his resignation in January 2014.
“As a committed member and leader of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur played significant roles in the affairs and development of the party,” PDP stated.
APM in a statement Special Adviser (Media and Digital Communication), Anthony Ehilebo, said the Makinde/Daura Campaign Organisation is deeply saddened by Tukur”s death.
“Alhaji Tukur stood tall as an awe-inspiring personality and leader — a national icon and global torchbearer who bestrode the business and political worlds like a colossus.
“He played indelible roles and made immeasurable legacy contributions, dedicating his intellect, expertise, personal resources and energy to the unity, stability, and economic and democratic development of not only our dear nation, Nigeria, but of Africa and the wider world,” the party said.
ADC National Chairman in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity Kola Ologbondiyan, said Tukur’s death is a great loss to Nigeria, particularly at a time when the country needs the wisdom, experience and counsel of its older generation of leaders.
Mark said Alhaji Tukur was a prominent figure whose contributions to Nigeria’s political, administrative and economic development spanned several decades.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerians who devoted their lives to the service of the country. His journey through public service, business and politics was remarkable, and his counsel and experience will be greatly missed.
“His death is not only a loss to his family and the people of Adamawa State, but also to Nigeria as a whole. At this difficult moment, we must remember and celebrate the values of service, patriotism and national unity that characterised his long public career,” he added.
