Fintiri Mourns Bamanga Tukur, Declares 3 Days Mourning

YOLA — The Adamawa Government has declared three days of mourning in honour of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former Governor of the defunct Gongola State and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who died on Saturday after a brief illness.

Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri announced the mourning period in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, on Saturday in Yola.

Fintiri described the death of the elder statesman, accomplished businessman and politician as a monumental loss to Adamawa State and Nigeria.

He commended Tukur’s courage, foresight, patriotism and lifelong commitment to public service.

“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was a colossus who made remarkable contributions to the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria.

“His wealth of experience, wisdom and commitment to public service earned him a place of honour in our national history.

“I will personally miss his wise counsel and the depth of experience he brought to matters concerning our state and nation.

“His passing has left a significant void that will be difficult to fill,” the governor said.

The governor extended his condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, friends, associates and the people of Adamawa State.

He urged them to draw strength from Tukur’s enduring legacy of service and leadership.

Fintiri directed that all government flags in the state be flown at half-mast during the three-day mourning period.

The governor prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur served as Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983 and National Chairman of the PDP from 2012 to 2014.

He was also a former Federal Minister of Industries and General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The elder statesman died three days before his 91st birthday.