Tribute as Balarabe Musa is laid to rest

Balarabe Musa, former governor of old Kaduna state, has been laid to rest at the Anguwan Sarki cemetery.

Thousands of sympathisers also gathered at the Sultan Bello mosque, where prayers were offered for the repose of his soul.

Musa, who was elected governor of old Kaduna state in 1979 on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), was impeached in 1981.

The elder statesman, who was quite outspoken in his push for better welfare for Nigerians, died on Wednesday morning.

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna; the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Kaduna chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as well as political associates of the former governor all paid tribute to him as he was buried according to Islamic rites on Wednesday afternoon.

El-Rufai, in a statement by Muyiwa Adekeye, his spokesman, said the former governor will be remembered for his significant contributions to improving the lives of the people.

“As a leader, he demonstrated at the ballot box, the capacity of a political party devoted to the protection of the interest of ordinary people to acquire power democratically,” el-Rufai said.

“As a private citizen, he projected the qualities of principled politics, decency, integrity, consistency and commitment to improving the lives of our ‘talakawa’ in Kaduna State and Nigeria.

“Despite the setback of his unwarranted impeachment from the office of as governor, Musa remained steadfast to his principles and spoke his mind often, helping to project a radical voice in public discourse in defence of democracy, and to advance social justice.”

The ACF, in a statement signed by Emmanuel Yawe, its spokesman, said Musa will be remembered as “the last man that stood against corruption, exploitation and dictatorship”, adding that he devoted his life to the struggle to improve the condition of the masses.

Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Kaduna state chapter of CAN, described the deceased as a governor of the people who saw to the industrialisation of the state.

“As governor, he came with the idea of industrialising Kaduna state. He established cottage industries across Local Governments in the old Kaduna state,” Hayab said.

“He was always a voice for the masses throughout his lifetime. He was consistent in his principles, courageous and always spoke the truth. He was one leader that loves everybody. He was detribalised, fair and just to all. We will miss him because he was a good leader.”

Tom Maiyashi, who served as commissioner for information, home affairs and culture under Musa’s administration, described him a principled man who believed in the emancipation of the ordinary people.

“He was a man of principle, a man who believed in the emancipation of the poor. He made sacrifices for the emancipation of the downtrodden. He believes in a united Nigeria. He believes in human dignity and happiness and he could go to any length to ensure that happens. He was a strong moral voice for exemplary leadership that could bring unity and development for Nigeria,” Maiyashi said.

“He was a great achiever as a governor. He embarked on massive educational reforms that have never been attained since he left office till today.”