A former governor of the defunct Gongola State and ex-national Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died.
The elder statesman and businessman died on Saturday after an illness whose nature was not immediately disclosed.
Reacting to the development, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the former governor.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, Fintiri described Tukur as an accomplished businessman and distinguished politician who demonstrated exemplary courage, foresight and lifelong commitment to public service.
The governor commiserated with Tukur’s family, friends,  political associates and the people of Adamawa State, praying for the repose of his soul.
“I will personally miss his wise counsel and the depth of experience he brought to matters concerning our state and nation. His passing has left a significant void that will be difficult to fill,” Fintiri said.
Bamanga Tukur who has lived his last days in his home Adamawa State, came to national limelight as the general manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority in 1975 to 1982, a time the agency was having problems with congestion as a result of massive cement importation.
In 1993, he contested for the governorship of Gongola State, now Adamawa and Taraba states, won and was governor for three months before the democratic administration was halted by a military coup.
Upon ceasing to be governor, Bamanga Tukur entered full scale entrepreneurship, and was the founder and chairman of BHI holdings (DADDO group of companies).
He served as the Chairman of NEPAD Business Group and Executive President of African Business Roundtable (ABR).
From 1993 to 1995, he served as a member of the Federal Executive Council as Minister of Industry.
He was awarded the National Honour of the Commander of the Order of the Mono (COM), and the National Honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his contribution to business in Africa.
