‘I’ve lost a close ally in Bamanga Tukur’ — IBB

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By Dapo Akinrefon

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Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), on Sunday, mourned the death of former Governor of old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, saying he had lost a close ally, brother and good friend.

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Babangida, in a condolence statement, described the late Tukur as a disciplined, selfless and upright leader who consistently answered the call to serve the collective national interest.

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He said: “The hallmarks of his private and public life were exemplary leadership skills, crisis management, selflessness, discipline, and uprightness — qualities he brought to bear at every instance he was called upon to serve our collective national interest.

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“His humility, accomplishments, contributions, relevance, and values are worthy of emulation and remain a huge source of inspiration and motivation to us all.

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“While this is a personal loss, as I have lost a close ally, a brother, and a very good friend, it is also a colossal loss to the nation, as personalities like his are a rarity in human existence, interaction, and history.

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“Bamanga Tukur was a man who dedicated his existence and contributed in no small measure to the sustenance, protection, and promotion of the sanctity of the sovereign integrity of our great nation, Nigeria.

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“I pray Almighty Allah grants his immediate family, the good people of Adamawa State, and Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

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“May Allah grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.”

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