“Creed, tongue and ethnicity were the least of things that mattered to him” — Igali
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), His Excellency Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, CON, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding citizens and statesmen.
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Bamanga Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 90, just three days before his 91st birthday, which would have been celebrated on September 15.
In a tribute titled “Adieu, Daddy Bamanga Tukur, CON,” Ambassador Igali said he joined other Nigerians at the late statesman’s Abuja residence to pay his last respects.
Igali described Bamanga Tukur as an “accomplished public servant, diplomat, business maestro and politician,” whose commitment to Nigeria transcended ethnic, religious and regional considerations.
According to him, the late statesman was “one of Nigeria’s most patriotic and dispassionate citizens ever,” noting that Bamanga Tukur placed national interest above narrow identities.
“To him, creed, tongue and ethnicity were the least of things that mattered in human relationships,” Igali stated.
‘A Champion of Balanced Port Development’
The PANDEF chairman particularly recalled Bamanga Tukur’s tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), during which ports across the country, including Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri and Onne, received attention and operated on a more equitable footing alongside the ports in Lagos.
Igali said the South-South geopolitical zone owed the late statesman “a world of gratitude” for his role in promoting balanced port development and strengthening the economic relevance of the region.
“For this, the South-South geopolitical [zone] owes him a world of gratitude,” he said.
Beyond his professional achievements, Igali said Bamanga Tukur would be remembered for his contributions to state-building, national integration and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He described the late politician’s tenure as National Chairman of the then ruling PDP as a period that demonstrated his “no-nonsense and altruistic” approach to public leadership.
Continental Impact
Ambassador Igali also highlighted Bamanga Tukur’s contributions beyond Nigeria, particularly his involvement in processes that contributed to the establishment of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the consolidation of the African Business Roundtable (ABR) and other continental trade and investment platforms.
He said these contributions would remain part of the late statesman’s enduring legacy in Africa.
‘He Surpassed Expectations as a Father and Mentor’
For Igali, however, Bamanga Tukur’s greatest legacy extended beyond his impressive résumé.
He recalled the late elder statesman’s humility and willingness to mentor people from different parts of Nigeria and across Africa.
“We gladly called him ‘Baba’ and he really surpassed the expectations of all in this fathering business; often with unscathed humours,”** Igali said.
The PANDEF chairman said Bamanga Tukur’s death had created a significant void, but expressed gratitude to God for the life of service and longevity granted to the former public servant.
“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,” he said.
Ambassador Igali prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late statesman and extended his condolences to the Tukur family, associates and Nigerians who mourn his passing.
“May Baba’s soul rest in peace.”
Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)
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