President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has described the late elder statesman and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as a detribalised Nigerian, great patriot and towering national figure whose contributions transcended ethnic and political boundaries.
Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the family of the former Governor of the old Gongola State, following his return to Nigeria from Italy.
Reflecting on his relationship with the late statesman, Akpabio recalled some of their personal engagements over the years, including an event chaired by Tukur in London in 2009.
“The late Tukur left behind a legacy of love, wisdom and service to the nation and will continue to serve as an example to younger politicians and Nigerians.”
The Senate President expressed regret that Nigeria would no longer have the benefit of Tukur’s wealth of experience and wisdom, noting that his contributions to national development would remain memorable.
Tukur’s public career spanned politics, public administration, business and continental economic leadership. He served as Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, Minister of Industries from 1993 to 1995, and National Chairman of the PDP from 2012 to 2014. He also played prominent roles in African business and economic development.
Akpabio disclosed that the National Assembly would honour the late elder statesman on the floor of the Senate upon resumption, while urging his children to uphold the values and legacy for which their father was known.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mahmoud Tukur thanked the President of the Senate, his wife, Mrs Unoma Akpabio, and his entourage for the condolence visit.
He also expressed the family’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians for the outpouring of support and for remembering the life and contributions of their father.
Alhaji Bamanga Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 90, just three days before what would have been his 91st birthday.
