By NEWSCOUNT Desk
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described the late elder statesman and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as a detribalised Nigerian, great patriot and towering national figure whose contributions to the country transcended ethnic and political boundaries.
Akpabio stated this on Tuesday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of Tukur, who was a former Governor of the defunct Gongola State.
The President of the Senate, who arrived in Nigeria from Italy on Monday, said Tukur’s life was marked by love, wisdom and service to the nation.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, said Akpabio also recalled his personal relationship with the late elder statesman, including an occasion in London in 2009 when Tukur chaired an event he attended.
According to Akpabio, Tukur’s contributions to national development had left a lasting impression and would continue to serve as an example to younger politicians and Nigerians.
“The late Tukur left behind a legacy of love, wisdom and service to the nation and would continue to serve as an example to younger politicians and Nigerians,” he said.
Akpabio expressed regret that the former governor was no longer alive to continue sharing his wealth of experience and wisdom, noting that his contributions to the development of the country would remain memorable.
He also disclosed that the National Assembly would honour the late elder statesman on the floor of the Senate when it resumes.
The Senate President urged Tukur’s children to continue in their father’s footsteps and uphold the values for which he was known.
Responding on behalf of the family, one of the deceased’s sons, Mahmoud Tukur, thanked Akpabio, his wife, Mrs Unoma Akpabio, and members of his entourage for visiting the family.
Mahmoud also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians for honouring and remembering his father, who died at the age of 90 on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
