Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State, declared Monday a work-free day across the state. The decision honoured the late Bamanga Tukur.
Humwashi Wonosikou, the chief press secretary to the governor, released the statement on Sunday. He explained that the measure allowed residents to pay final respects and reflect on Tukur’s legacies.
Tukur died on Saturday in Abuja at the age of 90. He passed away three days before his 91st birthday. The former governor of the defunct Gongola State and former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party was buried on Sunday in Yola.
Funeral prayers took place at the Lamido’s Palace. Traditional Islamic rites followed. Family members, government officials and traditional leaders attended the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Fintiri had earlier announced a three-day state mourning period. He directed that all national and state flags at public institutions fly at half-mast throughout the period.
The governor described Tukur as a statesman whose contributions to Adamawa and Nigeria would endure. He urged citizens to pray for the peaceful repose of Tukur’s soul and seek comfort for the bereaved family.
Essential services continued to operate despite the work-free declaration. Tukur had also served as a businessman, former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and minister.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur left a long record of public service. The state government pledged to honour his memory further during the mourning period.
