The Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the late former Governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as a national icon who gave his all to the service and development of Nigeria.
Makinde made the remarks in a condolence statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo. He noted that Tukur made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political, economic and democratic development throughout his decades of public service.
Makinde stated: “Alhaji Tukur stood tall as an awe-inspiring personality and leader, a national icon and global torchbearer who bestrode the business and political worlds like a colossus. He played indelible roles and made immeasurable legacy contributions, dedicating his intellect, expertise, personal resources and energy to the unity, stability, and economic and democratic development of not only our dear nation, Nigeria, but of Africa and the wider world.
“Indeed, a star has passed. Our nation, Africa and humanity have lost one of our best and brightest. Alhaji Tukur was an undefeated optimist, a man of practical ideas and solutions to national issues. He gave his all for the good of our nation and remained dedicated to this cause to the very end.
“Through his years of service as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries, Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and numerous other top political and business leadership positions, Alhaji Tukur demonstrated unmatched integrity, vision and excellence, and lived as a source of inspiration, especially for the contemporary generation of leaders.”
Makinde expressed regret that Tukur departed at a time when his wealth of experience, wise counsel and guidance were still needed. He described the death as a major loss to Nigeria, Africa and humanity.