PDP Mourns Former National Chairman Bamanga Tukur
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed grief over the death of its former National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Mahmud Tukur, describing his death as a great loss to Nigeria.
Tukur, who served as Governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries and Chief Executive/General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), was also involved in private-sector and international business activities during his lifetime.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, described the deceased as “a distinguished statesman, elder, administrator, businessman and committed member of the Party.”
According to the party, Tukur’s public service career spanned several decades. He served as Governor of the old Gongola State from October to December 1983 before later serving as Minister of Industries and head of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The PDP also highlighted his contributions to the private sector and international business community, including his roles as President of the Africa Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.
Tukur became National Chairman of the PDP in 2012 and remained in the position until his resignation in January 2014.
The party said his tenure as national chairman came at an important period in the political history of the party and the country, adding that he brought his experience and knowledge of public administration to the leadership of the PDP.
“The PDP deeply mourns his passing and recognises his contributions to the growth of the Party, the strengthening of democratic governance and the development of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The party described his death as “a profound loss to the nation”, citing his decades of service and contributions to Nigeria’s political, economic and democratic development.
The PDP extended its condolences to his family, relatives, friends, associates, the people of Adamawa State and members of the party across the country.
The party also prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
It further prayed for strength and fortitude for his family and loved ones to bear the loss.