Nigerian Governor Declares Public Holiday

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has declared Monday a work-free day across the state in honour of the late former Governor of Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur.

The declaration came a day after Tukur was buried in Yola following funeral prayers held at the Lamido’s Palace on Sunday.

TIMESNG reports that political leaders, traditional rulers, family members, associates and sympathisers gathered to pay their final respects to the elder statesman.

Fintiri announced the work-free day in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, saying the decision was intended to give residents an opportunity to honour Tukur and reflect on his contributions to Adamawa State and Nigeria.

The governor described Tukur as a prominent statesman whose contributions to the growth and development of the state and the country would remain part of his enduring legacy.

According to Fintiri, the work-free day is part of activities surrounding the three-day mourning period earlier declared by his administration following the death of the former Gongola State governor.

Fintiri urged residents to use Monday to pray for the peaceful repose of Tukur’s soul and seek comfort for his family, friends and other people affected by his death.

He also directed that government flags across Adamawa State would continue to fly at half-mast throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the late statesman.

However, the governor clarified that the declaration would not affect essential services, directing workers in critical sectors to continue their duties.

The latest announcement follows Fintiri’s earlier declaration of three days of mourning after Tukur died on Saturday at the age of 90.

At the time, the governor had described the death as a major loss to Adamawa State and Nigeria, recalling Tukur’s long years of service in public life.

“It is with deep sadness that I mourn the passing of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former Governor of Gongola State and an elder statesman whose contributions to our state and nation will remain indelible,” Fintiri had said.

The governor had also announced that government flags would be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

“In his honour and in recognition of his selfless service, I have declared three days of mourning across Adamawa State, during which all government flags will fly at half-mast,” he said.

Fintiri further extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, associates and the people of Adamawa State, saying they were united in grief over the death of the former governor.

“My heart goes out to his family, associates, and the good people of our state during this period of grief,” he said.

Tukur’s family had announced his death in a statement signed by his son, Awwal D. Tukur, on behalf of the family. The statement said the former PDP chairman had “returned to his Creator” after a lifetime devoted to public service, business and community development.

The family described Tukur as a man whose influence extended beyond his immediate family to Adamawa State and Nigeria, citing his wisdom, generosity and commitment to national development.

It also expressed appreciation to Nigerians and others who offered prayers, condolences and support following his death.

Tukur was one of the prominent political figures from the old Gongola region and occupied several important positions during his decades in public and private life.

He served as the third civilian governor of the defunct Gongola State, an entity that existed before the creation of Adamawa and Taraba states. His tenure remains part of the political history of the region.

Beyond his role as governor, Tukur served as Minister of Industries during the military administration of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha. He was also involved in business and economic development activities and, in 2012, served as president of the Africa Business Roundtable.

Tukur later became national chairman of the PDP in March 2012, remaining in the position until January 2014 during a politically turbulent period in Nigeria.

His death came shortly before his 91st birthday, which would have been celebrated on September 15.