Bamanga Tukur, a colossus of public service — Obasanjo

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing the late elder statesman as a patriot, bridge-builder and “colossus” of public service. Tukur, who died at the age of 91, held several prominent positions in public service, including Governor of the defunct Gongola State, Minister of Industries and Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). He also served as National Chairman of the PDP and Chairman of the African Business Roundtable.

Obasanjo, in a tribute titled, “Tribute to a Colossus of Public Service and Industrial Development: Alhaji Bamanga Tukur,” described the death of his long-time associate and compatriot as a profound loss to the country. In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president said Tukur’s life was characterised by patriotism, commitment and distinguished public service. Obasanjo said: “It was with a profound sense of loss and deep reflection that I received the news of the transition of my long-time associate, compatriot, and elder statesman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who has returned to his Creator at the age of 91.

“Bamanga’s life was a testament to patriotism, unwavering commitment, and stellar public service. Throughout his long career, which spanned across governance, international business, and political leadership, he carried himself with an unmistakable sense of duty.” According to Obasanjo, Tukur’s contributions to Nigeria extended across several critical sectors, with his focus consistently centred on national productivity and development. He said: “From his transformative years steering the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to his tenure as the civilian Governor of the defunct Gongola State and later as Minister of Industries, his focus remained fixed on national productivity and progress.” Reflecting on their political relationship, Obasanjo said their paths crossed during some of the most formative and challenging periods of Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly when Tukur served as National Chairman of the PDP.

He said although political differences and debates were inevitable, he never doubted Tukur’s commitment to Nigeria. “While politics often brought robust debates and differing perspectives on the d… By James Ogunnaike Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing the late elder statesman as a patriot, bridge-builder and “colossus” of public service.