Bamanga Tukur buried in Yola as Dangote, Fintiri, monarchs attend

Former Governor of the defunct Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, was on Sunday buried in Yola, Adamawa State.

The burial followed a Janazah prayer held shortly before 11 a.m. at the Lamido of Adamawa’s Palace Mosque, with thousands of mourners, government officials and dignitaries in attendance.

Among the dignitaries were business mogul Aliko Dangote and the Emir of Adamawa, Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, who was accompanied by other traditional rulers from across the state.

Tukur’s remains were later interred at his late father’s family compound near the Lamido Palace in Yola, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri led a delegation of government officials to the funeral prayer and burial rites, describing the late Tukur as a father, mentor and builder of men.

Fintiri said Adamawa had lost an “Iroko tree” whose wisdom, generosity and commitment to development would be greatly missed, while Dangote described Tukur as a pioneer of private enterprise in Northern Nigeria who believed in industry, job creation and building Nigeria.

Former Adamawa State Governor Jibrilla Bindow also described Tukur as a political father whose counsel benefited him and other political leaders.

Tukur died on Saturday in Abuja, days before his 91st birthday. Born on September 15, 1935, he is survived by two wives and 18 children, including Alhaji Awwal Tukur, the secretary to the government of Adamawa State.