YOLA, NIGERIA — Vice President Kashim Shettima led a Federal Government delegation to Yola, Adamawa State, on Thursday to mourn the late Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, conveying President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to the family of the former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman.
Tukur, a seasoned administrator, businessman, and politician, died on Saturday at the age of 90 after a brief illness. He served as Governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries, and National Chairman of the PDP, and was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and business landscape for decades.
The Vice President, who arrived in Yola in the company of senior government officials, was received by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State and members of the Tukur family. Shettima described the late Tukur as a distinguished elder statesman and a committed patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.
“President Bola Tinubu has asked me to convey his heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and to the people of Adamawa State. He was a man of immense wisdom and integrity who contributed significantly to the development of our country,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President noted that Tukur’s contributions to national development, particularly in the areas of trade, industry, and infrastructure, would be remembered for generations. He said the late politician’s legacy of service, discipline, and hard work should serve as an inspiration to younger Nigerians.
“He was a mentor to many and a source of inspiration to all who knew him. His death is a great loss not just to his family but to the entire nation,” Shettima said.
Governor Fintiri, who received the Vice President, thanked President Tinubu for sending such a high-powered delegation to mourn with the people of Adamawa. He described Tukur as a father figure and a political icon whose contributions to the state and the nation would never be forgotten.
“We are grateful to Mr. President for this gesture. It shows that he values the contributions of our elder statesmen and that he shares in our grief. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was a great man, and his legacy will live on,” Fintiri said.
The Tukur family, represented by the late politician’s eldest son, Mahmud Tukur, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government delegation for the visit. He said the family was comforted by the outpouring of love and tributes from across the country and beyond.
“We are grateful to Mr. President and the Vice President for this visit. It means a lot to us. Our father lived a fulfilled life, and we are proud of the legacy he left behind,” Mahmud said.
Tukur’s funeral prayers were held on Saturday at his residence in Yola, attended by dignitaries from across the country. He was buried in his hometown of Gombi, Adamawa State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The late politician is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. As the nation continues to mourn his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, business associates, and ordinary Nigerians whose lives he touched. For now, Adamawa State and the nation at large are united in grief, honouring the memory of a man who served his country with distinction.
