President Bola Tinubu has described the late former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, as an icon and peacebuilder whose contributions extended beyond northern Nigeria to the country and the wider world.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, conveyed his condolences to the Tukur family during a visit to the late elder statesman’s private residence in Yola, Adamawa State, on Thursday.
The President said Tukur’s death was a loss to Nigeria, noting that he devoted his life to serving humanity and left behind enduring legacies.
However, Tinubu urged the family to also celebrate the life of the former PDP national chairman, particularly his longevity and the impact he made during his lifetime.
“The death of Bamanga Tukur is a big celebration. Dying at the age of 91 is something that we are supposed to thank Allah for, for giving our father a long life,” he said.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri received the Vice President at the Yola International Airport before accompanying him to Tukur’s residence.
The late Tukur’s family expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for sending the Vice President to condole with them.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Alhaji Awwal Tukur said the President’s gesture demonstrated his recognition of the importance of every Nigerian.
He described the visit as an expression of fatherly leadership at a difficult time for the family.
“My late father was born into a family of 26, 13 boys and 13 girls. Out of these, only four remain. His immediate younger brother is now the head of the family.
“My father married two wives and had 18 children. I’m the second son in the family. We are six boys and 12 girls, and all of us are alive,” he said.
Bamanga Tukur died last Saturday in Abuja at the age of 91.
He was buried at his private residence in Yola on Sunday.
Tukur, a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman, served as national chairman of the PDP and held several public positions during his career.
His death has continued to attract condolences from political leaders and other Nigerians who have acknowledged his long involvement in national affairs.
