Kwara State governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Femi Sanni Araba, has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing him as a father figure, consummate businessman and elder statesman whose contributions to Nigeria’s development would remain indelible.
Araba, in a condolence message issued on Saturday, said he received the news of Tukur’s death with deep sadness, recalling the warm and paternal relationship he shared with the late politician.
According to him, Tukur consistently treated him as a son irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was not merely an elder I respected; he was a father figure to me. While alive, he would call me, ‘my son’, and that simple expression captured the warmth, affection and genuine concern he had for me.
“I will deeply miss his fatherly counsel, wisdom, warmth and encouragement. His passing is a profound personal loss to me and, indeed, to many Nigerians who had the privilege of knowing him,” Araba said.
He described Tukur as a rare combination of politician, administrator, entrepreneur and statesman who devoted significant portions of his life to public service and economic development.
Araba particularly recalled Tukur’s career as a public administrator, including his tenure as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), his service as Governor of the old Gongola State and later as Minister of Industries.
He also paid tribute to Tukur’s contributions to Nigeria’s political development, noting that his tenure as national chairman of the PDP reflected his long-standing involvement in the country’s political affairs.
Beyond politics, Araba said Tukur’s contributions to the private sector and African business community demonstrated his belief in the capacity of Nigerians and Africans to drive economic growth.
He described the late elder statesman’s involvement in the Africa Business Roundtable, NEPAD Business Group and the International Association of Ports and Harbours as evidence of his commitment to promoting African enterprise and economic integration.