Jonathan Creates New Portfolio, Appoints Tukur as 'Ambassador at Large'
President Goodluck Jonathan has appointed for Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Tukur as the 'Ambassador at Large".
This was contained in a statement by the media office of Bamanga Tukur, issued to condemn the recent Kaduna bombing.
The statement reas in part, "This is the office of the Ambassador at Large to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. An Ambassador-at-Large is an envoy who is assigned special duties by the president.
"The Letter from Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck appointing Dr. Tukur read in part: 'The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur as Ambassador-At-Large'."
Between 1994 and 1995, Tukur served as Minister for Industries. Other appointments held include the following; Vice Chairman of the International Ports and Harbours Association; Chairman of the International Cargo Handling Association; President/Chairman of the Governing Council of Institute of Business
Development; Member, Ghana Investors Advisory Council; Member, Presidential Council on Investment of the Republic of Benin in February, 2007; and Member of the Presidential Advisory Council in 2010.
However, Tukur urged Nigerians not to attach religion to the activities of Boko Haram.
He added, "Our prayers are with those that lost their lives, wounded and saved from the hands of terrorists. Our Country is going through some challenges, the newly appointed Ambassador at Large, Dr. Bamanga Tukur condemned in its entirety the killings of innocent lives and attacked on political and religious leaders in the country.
"There is no religion that support or incite their followers to such barbaric acts within any community or nation.
Our prayers goes to the families of the bereaves and thank God for his mercies and protections on the lives of former Head of States General Muhammadu Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi amongst others.
"Our heart goes to those that were injured and maimed by the twin bombings in this Holy Month of Ramadan in kaduna which is totally against the teaching and preaching Islam."
He also called citizens of the country to find a ground to unite against such violence and work towards greater peace for all in Nigeria.
