By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has expressed deep sadness over the death of former Governor of the old Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur.
Adebayo described Tukur’s death as the loss of a major figure in Nigeria’s political and public life, whose decades of service cut across governance, business, administration and national politics.
He said Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerian leaders whose careers were defined by long experience in public service and a deep understanding of the country’s political and economic challenges.
According to him, “Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was not merely a politician; he was an institution in Nigerian public life. From his years at the Nigerian Ports Authority to his service as Governor of Gongola State, Minister of Industries and later National Chairman of the PDP, he left his footprints across important chapters of our national history.
“His passing is particularly poignant coming just three days before his 91st birthday. It reminds us once again that while political offices are temporary, the impact of a life spent in the service of society can endure across generations”, he said.
Adebayo noted that although Tukur operated at different times and within political formations different from his own, his death should transcend partisan considerations.
He said, “Today is not a day for partisan politics. It is a day to honour a Nigerian elder who gave a significant portion of his life to public service and the development of our nation.
“We may belong to different political traditions and hold different views about the direction Nigeria should take, but we must never lose sight of the humanity and service of those who came before us.”
The SDP candidate commiserated with the Tukur family, the people of Adamawa State and Nigerians across the country, praying that Almighty Allah forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.
“May Almighty Allah grant Alhaji Bamanga Tukur Aljannatul Firdaus, and may He give his family, associates and the people of Adamawa the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
“May the memory of his years of service continue to inspire those entrusted with the responsibility of building a better Nigeria,” Adebayo said.
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