C’River gov mourns Bamanga Tukur, says Nigeria lost a statesman

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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has mourned the passing of former Governor of Gongola State and erstwhile Minister of Industry, Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, describing his death as “a profound loss to Nigeria and a solemn moment for reflection on a life of distinguished public service, enterprise and national leadership.”

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Tukur, who died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, aged 90, was a prominent businessman, politician and administrator whose career spanned the Nigerian Ports Authority, Gongola State Government, Federal Executive Council and the Peoples Democratic Party.

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In a condolence statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, Otu described him as “a statesman of considerable stature” whose contributions helped shape important chapters of Nigeria’s political and economic history.

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The statement read, “Cross River mourns the passing of former Governor of Gongola State and erstwhile Minister of Industry, Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur. His death is a profound loss to Nigeria and a solemn moment for reflection on a life of distinguished public service, enterprise and national leadership.

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“He was a statesman of considerable stature whose contributions helped shape important chapters of Nigeria’s political and economic history,” Otu said.

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Otu recalled Tukur’s service as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Governor of the old Gongola State and Minister of Industry, as well as his tenure as National Chairman of the PDP from 2012 to 2014, stressing that these roles reflected a life defined by service, experience and an abiding commitment to national development.

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He also acknowledged Tukur’s considerable contributions to African enterprise and investment, particularly through his leadership of the Africa Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.

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“His engagements on the continental stage demonstrated his commitment to expanding opportunities for African business and advancing the economic development of the continent. Tukur’s death carried a special significance for Cross River because of his familial ties to the State through his wife and his substantial investments in the State,” he stated.

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He described him as “a friend and stakeholder whose interests transcended geographical boundaries,” noting that his confidence in Cross River’s economic potential found expression in investments that contributed to the state’s development.

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“His affection for Cross River and his confidence in its vast potential further distinguished him as a friend and stakeholder. His relationship with Cross River was not merely familial; it was also one expressed through enterprise, investment and a genuine belief in the possibilities of our people. His connection to the state and legacy would remain a valued,” the governor said.

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Otu extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the Government and people of Adamawa State, his wife and her Cross River family, political associates and the business community.

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“At this moment of profound grief, Cross River stands in solidarity with the Tukur family and all Nigerians mourning this monumental loss. We pray that the bereaved family would find strength and comfort in the legacy of the departed statesman,” he added.

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