Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sadness over the passing of the former governor of old Gongola State, Bamanga Tukur.

In a condolence message on Sunday, Mr Shettima said Mr Tukur’s demise was not just a loss to Adamawa or the Fombina Emirate, but a monumental loss to Nigeria and the African continent.

Mr Tukur, a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and minister of industries, died on Saturday at the age of 90.

The vice president described the death of the elder statesman as a huge loss to Nigeria, adding that the deceased was a “true patriot, a global citizen and an institution in his own right.

“I am deeply grieved by the passing of our father, mentor and one of Nigeria’s greatest institution-builders, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, CON, who returned to his Creator three days shy of his 91st birthday.

“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur lived a life of impact in three distinct but interlinked worlds — as a technocrat who built Nigeria’s modern maritime infrastructure.

“And as a statesman and politician who governed with vision, and as a pan-African business leader who put Africa’s private sector on the world map,” he stated.

The vice president paid glowing tribute to Mr Tukur’s service to the nation.

According to him, Nigerians of my generation will never forget that in 1975, when Nigerian ports were gridlocked by the infamous cement armada, a young, brilliant Bamanga Tukur was called to lead the Nigerian Ports Authority.

“He did not just clear the congestion; he built for the future.”

Mr Shettima recalled that, as general manager and chief executive of the NPA from 1975 to 1982, Mr Tukur conceived and delivered the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

According to Mr Shettima, Mr Tukur also modernised Apapa, Warri, Calabar, Sapele and Onne ports, and expanded the nation’s cargo-handling capacity.

“That singular intervention saved the Nigerian economy from collapse and created the gateway that still powers our trade today.

“In doing so, he became the first African Vice President and later a global icon in the International Association of Ports and Harbours in Tokyo, flying Nigeria’s flag high at a time when few Africans had such an opportunity. “

On Mr Tukur’s political career, Mr Shettima recalled that although his tenure as governor of the old Gongola State “was cut short by the military intervention of December 1983.

“Tukur’s vision for rural development and education left an enduring mark.”

The vice president extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Adamawa Government and the people of the state.

Mr Shettima assured the government and people of Adamawa that Nigeria would never forget Mr Tukur.

He prayed that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, overlook his transgressions, grant his gentle soul Aljannatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss. 

(NAN)