A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Taofik Gani , has urged political leaders to learn from the selfless service and leadership qualities of the late Bamanga Tukur.
Gani gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
Newsmen report that Tukur,a former chairman of PDP and former governor of old Gongola State, died on Saturday, aged 90.
Gani, a former publicity secretary of the PDP in Lagos State, said Tukur’s long career in public service, business and politics provided important lessons for Nigeria’s present and future leaders.
Reflecting on Tukur’s political career, Gani said the former PDP chairman brought his experience and maturity to the leadership of the party.
He said Tukur worked to prevent division within the PDP and sought to maintain the party as a united political platform.
“When he was the National Chairman, I gave him a pass mark because he tried his best to ensure that there was no division or fractionalisation in the party.
“He made sure that there was one united PDP, and that also gave the then President the opportunity to do the administration without any distraction,” he said.
Gani said Tukur’s experience was particularly valuable because he had served in different areas of national life before becoming a major figure in party politics.
According to him, Tukur was not driven by material interests and did not use political office to build a personal empire.
“He was selfless. He was not somebody who was materialistic.
“Tukur was a politician par excellence ; present leaders have a lot to learn from learn from him,” Gani said.
Gani added that Tukur was a politician who had the ability to understand when to step aside and allow others to contribute to public service.
He said Tukur did not continue to interfere in politics when his health or other circumstances made it necessary for him to withdraw.
Gani urged Nigerian leaders to develop the courage to leave political positions at the appropriate time.
“We should learn selfless service and we should know where to leave the stage, especially when the ovation is loudest.
“The problem that Nigeria has is that they don’t want to leave the stage. Even at 100 years old and very frail, they want to continue to be at the helm of affairs,” he said.
The party chieftain said Tukur’s life should ,therefore, not be remembered only for the political positions he occupied, but also for his contribution to Nigeria’s development.
Gani said the younger generation of politicians could draw from such experience by putting public interest above personal ambition.
He urged political leaders to see public office as an opportunity to serve rather than a means of acquiring wealth or holding power indefinitely.
The politician said Tukur’s legacy would remain relevant as Nigeria continued to search for political leaders who could promote unity, discipline and selfless service.
Gani expressed his condolences to the family of late former National chairman of PDP.
The PDP chieftain also expressed hope that Tukur’s example would encourage present and future leaders to serve the country with greater commitment and know when to give way to others.