The Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the late former Governor of the old Gongola State, Bamanga Tukur, as a national icon who gave his all to the service and development of Nigeria.
Makinde stated this in a condolence statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, who said Tukur made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political, economic and democratic development throughout his decades of public service.
He said Tukur’s death was a great loss to Nigeria, Africa and humanity, noting that the former PDP National Chairman left behind enduring legacies through his roles as governor, minister, Nigerian Ports Authority General Manager, and business and political leader.
The APM presidential candidate stated, “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.
“Indeed, a star has passed. Our nation, Africa and humanity have lost one of our best and brightest. Alhaji Tukur was an undefeated optimist, a man of practical ideas and solutions to national issues. He gave his all for the good of our nation and remained dedicated to this cause to the very end.
“Through his years of service as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries, Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and numerous other top political and business leadership positions, Alhaji Tukur demonstrated unmatched integrity, vision and excellence, and lived as a source of inspiration, especially for the contemporary generation of leaders.
“We are indeed pained that this great Nigerian left the scene at a time when his wealth of experience, wise counsel, tutelage and prayers are needed the most in the life of our nation.”
Makinde said they drew comfort from the numerous legacies Tukur left behind, as well as the fact that he lived as a devout Muslim and dedicated his life to serving Nigeria and humanity.
It continued, “Nevertheless, we take solace in the many legacies he left behind, and in the fact that he lived as a devout Muslim and led a successful and fulfilling life of service to our nation and humanity.
“Our Presidential Candidate and the entire Makinde/Daura Campaign deeply commiserate with the Tukur family and the government and people of Adamawa State at this time of grief.
“We pray that Almighty Allah, the Most Merciful, comfort the family and grant the faithful departed Aljannah Firdaus.”
Tukur, who died on Saturday at the age of 90 after a prolonged illness, served as governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority before later becoming PDP National Chairman in 2012.
Credit: punchng.com
