The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, describing him as a distinguished elder statesman whose contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic development will endure.
Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, made the remarks in a condolence statement he personally signed on Saturday, following the death of the former PDP national chairman.
He described Tukur as an accomplished businessman, seasoned public administrator and elder statesman who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic, political and maritime development.
According to Kalu, the late Tukur’s extensive public service career included his leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), service as Governor of the old Gongola State and tenure as Minister of Industries.
The Senator also highlighted Tukur’s role in promoting African enterprise and economic integration through his leadership of the African Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.
Kalu said Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerian leaders who dedicated substantial parts of their lives to public service, institution building and the advancement of the country’s economy.
“The passing of Dr Bamanga Tukur is a great loss to Nigeria and the African business community. He was a distinguished elder statesman, accomplished businessman and seasoned administrator who served our country in various capacities with commitment and dedication,” Kalu stated.
He further noted that Tukur’s contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector, as well as his efforts to promote African businesses, investment and economic cooperation across the continent, constituted important parts of his enduring legacy.
“His contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector and his efforts towards promoting African businesses, investment and economic cooperation across the continent remain important aspects of his enduring legacy,” he said.
Kalu extended his condolences to the late Tukur’s family, the government and people of Adamawa State, the PDP and members of the Nigerian business community, as well as others mourning the former national chairman.
“On behalf of my family and the people of Abia North Senatorial District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and people of Adamawa State, and all those mourning this great Nigerian,” he stated.
The former Abia governor prayed for the repose of Tukur’s soul and strength for his family to cope with the loss.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Kalu added.
