Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has declared Monday a work-free day in honour of the late Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former governor of the defunct Gongola State.
Tukur, a prominent elder statesman and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, was buried in Yola on Sunday following funeral prayers at the Lamido’s Palace.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.
Fintiri said the decision was to allow residents to pay their final respects to the late statesman and reflect on his contributions and legacy.
He described Tukur as a distinguished statesman whose contributions to the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria would remain memorable.
The governor urged residents to use the work-free day to pray for the peaceful repose of Tukur’s soul and seek comfort for his family, friends and associates.
READ ALSO: Former PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dies at 90
He added that the declaration formed part of measures to honour Tukur during the three-day mourning period announced by the state government.
Fintiri also directed that all flags across the state remain at half-mast throughout the mourning period, while essential services would continue to operate.
Tukur served as the third civilian governor of the defunct Gongola State and later occupied several key positions in Nigeria’s political and public spheres.
His burial in Yola on Sunday attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, family members, associates and sympathisers who gathered to bid the elder statesman farewell.
