By Tekena Amieyeofori
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has declared Monday a work-free day throughout the state in memory of Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, former Governor of the defunct Gongola State and ex-National Chairman of the PDP.
The announcement was made a day after Tukur was laid to rest in Yola, following funeral prayers at the Lamido’s Palace on Sunday.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, Fintiri said the holiday was declared to allow residents to pay tribute to Tukur and reflect on his contributions to both Adamawa and Nigeria.
The governor described Tukur as a distinguished statesman whose impact on the development of the state and country would remain part of his lasting legacy.
According to Fintiri, the work-free day falls within the three-day mourning period his government earlier proclaimed after Tukur’s death.
He called on residents to use the day to offer prayers for Tukur’s soul and to comfort his family, friends, and others mourning him.
Fintiri also ordered that government flags in Adamawa should remain at half-mast for the duration of the mourning period as a sign of respect for the late elder statesman.
However, he noted that essential services would not be disrupted. He directed workers in critical sectors to remain on duty.
The Monday holiday follows Fintiri’s initial announcement of three days of mourning after Tukur passed away on Saturday at age 90.
At that time, the governor described the death as a huge loss to Adamawa and Nigeria, highlighting Tukur’s decades of service in public life. He said:
“It is with deep sadness that I mourn the passing of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former Governor of Gongola State and an elder statesman whose contributions to our state and nation will remain indelible,”
He also stated: “In his honour and in recognition of his selfless service, I have declared three days of mourning across Adamawa State, during which all government flags will fly at half-mast,”
Fintiri extended sympathies to Tukur’s family, associates, and the people of Adamawa, saying: “My heart goes out to his family, associates, and the good people of our state during this period of grief,”
Tukur’s death was announced by the family in a statement signed by his son, Awwal D. Tukur. The family said the former PDP chairman had “returned to his Creator” after a life dedicated to public service, business, and community development.
They described him as a figure whose influence reached beyond his family to impact Adamawa and Nigeria, noting his wisdom, generosity, and dedication to national progress. The family also thanked Nigerians for their prayers, condolences, and support.
Tukur was a major political figure from the old Gongola region. He was the third civilian governor of Gongola State before it was split into Adamawa and Taraba.
He also served as Minister of Industries under General Sani Abacha’s military government. In the private sector, he was active in business and economic development, and in 2012 he led the Africa Business Roundtable as president.
In March 2012, Tukur was elected National Chairman of the PDP and held the position until January 2014, a period marked by political tension in the country.
He died just a day before his 91st birthday, which would have been on September 15.