Obasanjo Mourns Bamanga Tukur

…Describes Him as Colossus of Public Service

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, describing the late elder statesman as a patriot and a towering figure in Nigeria’s public service and industrial development.

Obasanjo, in a tribute issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said Tukur’s 91-year life was marked by an unwavering commitment to Nigeria and a strong sense of duty.

The former President said Tukur made significant contributions to the country across governance, business and politics, particularly during his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Governor of the defunct Gongola State and Minister of Industries.

According to Obasanjo, the late politician remained focused on national productivity and development throughout his public career.

He recalled their longstanding relationship, noting that their paths crossed during critical periods in Nigeria’s democratic development, particularly when Tukur served as national chairman of the PDP.

Obasanjo acknowledged that political differences and debates were inevitable during Tukur’s tenure, but said he never doubted the deceased’s commitment to Nigeria.

“He was an institutional pillar who stood tall in the face of political storms,” Obasanjo said.

The former President also highlighted Tukur’s contributions beyond Nigeria, particularly his leadership of the African Business Roundtable, which he said reflected the late statesman’s commitment to economic independence and deeper African integration.

Obasanjo described Tukur’s death as a major loss to Nigeria, saying the country had lost “a colossus and a bridge-builder” whose contributions would remain part of the nation’s history.

He extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State and the late elder statesman’s political associates across the country.

Obasanjo prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.