The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, has recalled the role of former Governor of the defunct Gongola State and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, in promoting the development of Nigerian ports.
Igali said Tukur, during his tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), ensured that ports across the country received equal attention, including those in the South-South.
The PANDEF chairman stated this on Saturday after visiting the late statesman’s residence in Abuja to pay his last respects following his death at the age of 90, three days before his 91st birthday.
According to Igali, Tukur’s leadership at the NPA ensured that the ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri and Onne operated on an equal footing with the Apapa and Tin Can ports.
He said, “No wonder at his time at Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), all ports including Portharcourt, Calabar, Warri, Onne worked in equal standing as Apapa and Tin-can. For this, the South-South geopolitical owes him a world of gratitude.”
Igali also recalled Tukur’s contributions to African economic integration, particularly his role in processes that led 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 described the late statesman as an accomplished public servant, diplomat, businessman and politician whose commitment to national unity transcended ethnic and religious considerations.
“An accomplished public servant, diplomat, business maestro and politician, Baba was one of Nigeria’s most patriotic and dispassionate citizens ever. To him, creed, tongue and ethnicity were the least of things that mattered in human relationships,” Igali said.
He further commended Tukur’s leadership of the PDP, describing his contribution to national integration and nation-building as one that would remain memorable.
Beyond his public career, Igali said Tukur served as a mentor to many younger leaders across Nigeria and Africa.
“In all, beyond the lines of occupational interactions and intersection, he yielded himself in unparalleled humility to mentor many of us from all over the country and around Africa,” he said.
Igali said Tukur’s death had created a significant vacuum, but urged Nigerians to appreciate his long life and years of service to the country and the continent.
“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. May Baba’s soul rest in peace,” he said.
