VIDEO: Dangote, Fintiri in Attendance as Bamanga Tukur Is Laid to Rest

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, was laid to rest in his hometown of Yola, Adamawa State, on Sunday.

TIMESNG reports that business mogul Aliko Dangote, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and other dignitaries in attendance.

Tukur’s remains were buried according to Islamic rites after funeral prayers led by the Chief Imam of Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, Yola, Alhaji Ahmadu Bobboi.

The funeral prayer was conducted at about 10:50am, while the former governor’s remains were taken to his family house in Fadde-Sanda, along Abuja Road, Yola, where he was buried at about 11:30am.

Tukur died on Saturday after a long career in politics, business and public service. He was aged 90 and would have clocked 91 on September 15.

Among those who attended the funeral were Dangote, Governor Fintiri, Senator Iya Abbas, who represents Adamawa Central, and former Adamawa State Governor Jibrilla Bindow.

Traditional rulers, political leaders, associates, family members and other dignitaries from Adamawa and beyond also gathered in Yola to pay their final respects to the late statesman.

Tukur was survived by two wives and 18 children, including Awwal Tukur, the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.

His death led the Adamawa State Government to declare three days of mourning across the state.

Fintiri announced the mourning period on Saturday, describing the late politician as an elder statesman whose contributions to Adamawa and Nigeria would remain significant.

“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 said.

The governor directed that government flags across Adamawa be flown at half-mast throughout the three-day mourning period as a mark of respect for Tukur.

“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 added.

Fintiri also expressed condolences to members of Tukur’s family, his associates and the people of Adamawa State.

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

He prayed that Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

The late Tukur was one of the prominent political figures from Adamawa who played major roles in Nigeria’s political and economic affairs over several decades.

He served as the national chairman of the PDP from March 2012 until January 2014, leading the party during a politically active period before his tenure came to an end.

Tukur also served as governor of the former Gongola State, which was later divided into Adamawa and Taraba states. His administration therefore forms part of the political history of both states.

Beyond party politics, he held several public-sector positions and served as Minister of Industries during the military administration of former Head of State General Sani Abacha.

His career also extended into the private sector and continental business development. In 2012, he served as president of the Africa Business Roundtable, an organisation focused on promoting business and private-sector development in Africa.

The Tukur family, in a statement issued after his death and signed by his son, Awwal D. Tukur, said the former PDP chairman had “returned to his Creator” after a lifetime dedicated to public service, business and community development.

The family described him as a man whose influence extended beyond his immediate family, saying his wisdom, generosity and commitment to the development of Adamawa and Nigeria had touched many lives.

It added that his contributions would remain part of his legacy and continue to be remembered by future generations.

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