By Peace Udugba
Former governor of the defunct Gongola State and ex-national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died at 90.
Tukur, an elder statesman, businessman and former Minister of Industry, died on Saturday after an illness. He spent his final days in Adamawa State.
Following his death, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the former governor and PDP chairman.
Fintiri, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, described Tukur as an accomplished businessman and politician who devoted his life to public service.
The governor expressed condolences to Tukur’s family, friends, political associates and the people of Adamawa State, praying for the repose of his soul.
Fintiri said Tukur’s wise counsel and extensive experience would be greatly missed.
Tukur served as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982 before moving fully into business. He later founded and chaired BHI Holdings, also known as the DADDO Group of Companies.
He became governor of Gongola State in 1993, but his administration lasted only about three months before the military coup that ended the democratic government.
He subsequently served as Minister of Industry from 1993 to 1995.
Tukur also chaired the NEPAD Business Group and served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable.
He was a former national chairman of the PDP and was honoured with the national awards of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Order of the Mono.
He also held the traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye.
