Adamawa Mourns as Fintiri Honours Late Statesman Bamanga Tukur

Adamawa State has entered a period of mourning following the death of former Governor of the defunct Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Tukur.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri declared three days of mourning after news of Tukur’s death emerged on Saturday.

Tukur died at the age of 90 after a brief illness. He would have celebrated his 91st birthday three days later.

Fintiri described the late elder statesman as a major figure whose contributions extended beyond Adamawa State to Nigeria’s political and economic development.

The governor said Tukur’s experience, wisdom and commitment to public service earned him a respected place in the country’s history.

Fintiri also ordered government flags across the state to be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.

The governor extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, associates and residents of Adamawa.

He said Tukur’s counsel and experience would be missed, particularly on matters relating to the state and the country.

The death has also generated tributes from politicians belonging to different political parties.

APC governorship candidate Ahmed Galadima Aminu expressed sadness over Tukur’s death and described him as a distinguished son of Adamawa.

Galadima said Tukur’s career represented an important chapter in Nigeria’s public service, politics, business and national development.

ADC governorship candidate Modibbo Hammatukur Ribadu also mourned the former governor.

Ribadu described Tukur as an elder statesman and expressed the view that his contributions would remain part of Adamawa’s history.

Tukur’s political career dates back several decades.

He served as governor of the old Gongola State, a territory that was later divided into Adamawa and Taraba states.

His career also included senior positions in the Nigerian Ports Authority and the federal government.

He served as Minister of Industries and was involved in business and continental economic initiatives.

Tukur later returned to frontline party politics and became National Chairman of the PDP in 2012.

He led the party during a period of internal political tensions before leaving office in January 2014.

His death has therefore attracted reactions from political leaders who had interacted with him at different stages of his career.

President Bola Tinubu also expressed condolences to the family and people of Adamawa.

The President described Tukur as a prominent figure whose career covered several areas of national and continental life.

The late statesman’s remains were scheduled to be taken to Yola for burial.