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 transcended ethnic and political boundaries.
Akpabio stated this on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the family of the former governor of the defunct Gongola State, following the death of the elder statesman at the age of 90.
The Senate President, who arrived in Nigeria from Italy on Monday, recalled his personal relationship with Tukur, noting that the late statesman had chaired an event he attended in London in 2009.
He described Tukur as a man whose life was defined by love, wisdom and service to the nation, saying his legacy would continue to serve as an example to younger politicians and Nigerians.
Akpabio expressed regret that Tukur was no longer alive to continue sharing his wealth of experience and wisdom, stressing that his contributions to national development would remain memorable.
He further 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 sustain their father’s legacy by upholding the values for which he was known and continuing his commitment to national service.
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 the condolence visit.
Mahmoud also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians for honouring and remembering his father.
Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 90.
