Prominent Nigerians, including Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Adamawa State governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and former governor Umar Jibrilla Bindow, on Sunday attended the funeral prayers for former Gongola State governor and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, in Yola.
Tukur was buried in his hometown, Yola, after the Janazah prayer held at the Lamido of Adamawa’s Palace Mosque in Yola Town.
The funeral prayer, conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, was led by the Chief Imam of Modibbo Adama Jumma’at Mosque, Khadi Ahmadu Bobboi, at about 11:00am.
His remains were later conveyed to his residence in Yola, where he was laid to rest.
The funeral attracted political and business leaders from across party lines, with Governor Fintiri leading the Adamawa State delegation. He was accompanied by members of the State Executive Council, National and State Assembly members and prominent PDP stakeholders.
Traditional rulers and title holders also attended in large numbers, led by the Lamido of Adamawa, HRH Dr Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa.
Others included the Emir of Fofure, HRH Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Ahmadu Ribadu; the Ganwari of Ganye Chiefdom, HRH Alhaji Dr Umaru Adamu Sanda, OON; the Ptil Madagali, HRH Dr Ali Danburam, MBBS, FWACP, FCCP; the Wali of Adamawa, as well as district heads, title holders and community leaders from across the state’s 21 local government areas.
The gathering also attracted former ministers, senators, captains of industry, Islamic scholars and other dignitaries from within and outside Adamawa State.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate also attended the funeral with a group of young politicians to honour Tukur, whom he described as a political father and towering figure.
The Lamido’s Palace Mosque and its surroundings were filled with mourners from as early as 8:00am as dignitaries and residents gathered to pay their final respects to the late elder statesman.
Speaking after the funeral, Governor Fintiri described Tukur as a father, mentor and builder of men, saying his death had left a significant gap.
“We have learnt so much from him. His demise creates a wide gap that only God can fill. We will continue to pray that Allah grants him Aljannah,” Fintiri said.
Dangote also described Tukur’s death as a great loss to Nigeria, particularly the business community, and prayed for the eternal repose of his soul.
Tukur died on Saturday in Abuja, three days before his 91st birthday.
He is survived by two wives and 18 children, including the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Auwal Tukur.
The late elder statesman served as governor of the defunct Gongola State and later as National Chairman of the PDP, playing prominent roles in Nigeria’s political and public life.
