The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former Governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Senator Mark described the death of the elder statesman as a great loss to Nigeria, particularly at a time when the country needs the wisdom, experience and counsel of its older generation of leaders.
He said Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was a prominent figure whose contributions to Nigeria’s political, administrative and economic development spanned several decades.
According to him, Tukur’s public service record, including his tenure as Governor of the old Gongola State, his service as Minister of Industries and his later leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reflected a life devoted to the service of the nation.
Senator Mark noted that the deceased was also an accomplished businessman and international figure whose contributions extended beyond partisan politics to national development and institution-building.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerians who devoted their lives to the service of the country. His journey through public service, business and politics was remarkable, and his counsel and experience will be greatly missed.
“His death is not only a loss to his family and the people of Adamawa State, but also to Nigeria as a whole. At this difficult moment, we must remember and celebrate the values of service, patriotism and national unity that characterised his long public career.”
Senator Mark commiserated with the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State, as well as the many associates and political colleagues of the deceased.
He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.