The South-West zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the death of the late former National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as a huge loss to Nigeria’s democracy.
The Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, that Tukur’s death was a great loss to the party.
According to him, humility in leadership exemplified by Tukur remains remarkable and lesson to leaders.
“This is a big loss to democracy. He (Tukur) belonged to one of the old hands in this country.
“He had tried to become the president of this country. He was a very good leader.
“As a former governor, we see him as somebody that is very, very humble. He actually did his best. Alhaji Tukur will be missed,” he said.
Ajisafe said Tukur’s long service to the country and contributions to democratic politics would remain part of his legacy.
“He has tried his best for this country and for democracy. People like him are not easy to replace.
“His experience, humility and contribution to national development will be remembered by those who worked with him and those who followed his political career.
“We pray that God will give his family, friends and political associates the strength to bear the loss,” Ajisafe said.
NAN reports that Tukur, who died on Saturday, was a prominent politician, businessman and administrator whose public service career spanned several decades.
He served as governor of the old Gongola State in 1983 during the Second Republic, before the military coup of Dec. 31, 1983, brought the civilian administration to an end.
The old Gongola State was later divided into Adamawa and Taraba states.
Before becoming governor, Tukur served as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, where he contributed to the administration and development of the nation’s port system.
He later served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of the late Gen. Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.
Tukur was also actively involved in national politics and contested for the presidency during Nigeria’s political transition programmes.
He became National Chairman of the PDP in 2012, succeeding Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and resigned from the position in January 2014.
Beyond partisan politics, Tukur was prominent in business and African economic affairs, serving in leadership positions in organisations promoting private-sector development and African economic cooperation.
The South-West PDP chairman expressed condolences to the late politician’s family, the PDP and the people of Adamawa State, urging Nigerians to honour his memory by sustaining democratic values.(NAN)
