National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, has paid glowing tribute to former Governor of Gongola State and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing his death as a huge loss to Nigeria and Africa.
In a statement issued after visiting the late statesman’s Abuja residence on Saturday, Igali said he joined other Nigerians to pay his last respects to Tukur, who died at the age of 90, just three days before his 91st birthday.
Reflecting on the late elder statesman’s life, Igali praised Tukur’s remarkable contributions to public service, diplomacy, business and politics, saying his commitment to national unity remained unmatched.
According to him, “An accomplished public servant, diplomat, business maestro and politician, Baba was one of Nigeria’s most patriotic and dispassionate citizens ever. To him, creed, tongue and ethnicity were the least of things that mattered in human relationships.”
The PANDEF chairman recalled Tukur’s tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), noting that he ensured equal attention to ports across the country.
He stated, “No wonder at his time at Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), all ports including Portharcourt, Calabar, Warri, Onne worked in equal standing as Apapa and Tin-can. For this, the South-South geopolitical owes him a world of gratitude.”
Igali also commended Tukur’s contributions to nation-building and his leadership as National Chairman of the then ruling PDP, saying his efforts in promoting national integration would remain unforgettable.
Speaking on his continental impact, he said, “At the continental level, his particular role in midwifing some of the processes leading to the establishment of Afreximbank and consolidation of African Business Roundtable (ABR) and other continental trade and investment platforms will be remembered for a long time to come.”
The PANDEF chairman further described the late statesman as a father figure who mentored many young leaders across Nigeria and Africa.
He said, “In all, beyond the lines of occupational interactions and intersection, he yielded himself in unparalleled humility to mentor many of us from all over the country and around Africa. We gladly called him ‘Baba’ and he really surpassed the expectations of all in this fathering business; often with unscathed humours.”
Igali said Tukur’s passing had created a significant vacuum but urged Nigerians to be grateful for his long life of service.
“His departure leaves a big void. But we thank God Almighty for His sovereign will and for the gift of good old age of service. May Baba’s soul rest in peace,” he said.