Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid tribute to the late former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing him as a patriot whose commitment to Nigeria remained unquestionable despite political disagreements.

Obasanjo, in a tribute titled “Tribute to a Colossus of Public Service and Industrial Development: Alhaji Bamanga Tukur,” said the death of his long-time associate, compatriot and elder statesman had left him with a “profound sense of loss and deep reflection.”

The former president said his relationship with Tukur spanned some of the most challenging periods of Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly when the deceased served as national chairman of the PDP.

According to him, although their political engagements were sometimes marked by “robust debates and differing perspectives” on the direction of the party and the country, he never doubted Tukur’s commitment to Nigeria.

“While politics often brought robust debates and differing perspectives on the direction of our party and nation, I never for once doubted his foundational love for Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.

He described Tukur as “an institutional pillar who stood tall in the face of political storms,” adding that his long career in governance, business and politics reflected an unmistakable sense of duty.

Obasanjo recalled Tukur’s service as Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, civilian Governor of the defunct Gongola State and Minister of Industries, saying his focus throughout remained on national productivity and progress.

He also praised Tukur’s leadership of the African Business Roundtable, saying it demonstrated his visionary commitment to economic independence and pan-African integration.

“With his passing, Nigeria has lost a colossus and a bridge-builder. He has run his race, made his mark, and left an indelible footprint in the history of our republic,” Obasanjo said.

He expressed condolences to the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State, and the deceased’s political associates across the country, while praying that Almighty Allah would forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.