The death of Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa has been described as a major blow to democracy in Nigeria.
Balarabe Musa – the first civilian governor of the former Kaduna state – died on Wednesday after a long illness.
He became governor in 1979 under the PRP, although he was ousted in 1981 before completing his term.
He was one of Nigeria’s leading politicians who played a key role in establishing democracy.
Balarabe Musa has spent most of his life in the opposition party where he continues to be active in politics and has expressed his views on how Nigeria is run.
Who is Musa Balarabe
He was one of Nigeria’s most revolutionary politicians who played a key role in establishing democracy through outright protests against military rule.
Born in August 1936 in Kaya, Kaduna State, he studied at the Center for Administration and Management in Zaria and other schools in London.
He was elected governor of Kaduna State in 1979 under the PRP, a campaign to save the poor from oppression. Although he was removed in 1981 before completing his term.
However, he remained active in politics and expressed his views on the running of Nigeria, leading a campaign to challenge the military rule of the late General Sani Abacha and to return the country to democracy.
After the country’s return to democracy in 1999, the late Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa became the leader of the CNPP, a coalition of the country’s opposition parties for the Fourth Republic.
In 2018, he left politics altogether due to ill health, stepping down as PRP leader.
However, he went on to express his views on the country’s governance, especially on issues related to corruption and the embezzlement of public funds for which he has been prominent.
Alhaji Balarabe Musa passed away at the age of 84, leaving nine children, three daughters and six sons.
One of his sons Sagir Balarabe Musa said they had lost a father who built them on a life of social justice and fairness, patience and leadership.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has already issued a statement of condolences to the people of Kaduna State over the death of the former governor who he described as the voice of the weak.
Praying for God’s forgiveness, President Buhari said the late had made a significant impact on the country’s democracy and played a key role in ensuring good governance and development that the people will always remember. thank him always.
Kaduna Governor Malam Nasir El-rufai said Balarabe Musa will be remembered as a progressive politician who also expanded opportunities for the poor.
