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Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has described that the passing away of the former governor of Kaduna state, Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa as a shock, noting that he died when Nigeria needed him most.
The governor said the late former governor made a great impact not only in Nigerian democracy development but also in Africa’s transition to democracy over decades which many people benefited immensely, particularly, the downtrodden ones.
Governor Ganduje noted that the late governor had unparalleled concern for the welfare of the “Talakawas” (poor people) which placed him above many politicians in the country, adding that he made an indelible mark.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Kano state, I am extending our heartfelt condolence to his family, the government of Kaduna state, his friends, and well-wishers and pray that May Allah forgives all his mistakes and rewards all his good deeds.
“He left behind during his reign as a governor were enough reasons to explain his genuine love for the people.
“While lamenting that, the death of the former governor was a great loss for Nigeria, democracy and the downtrodden ones”, he stated.
He admonished politicians to always take a leaf from the late former governor by always placing the people first above any considerations.
Former governor of Kaduna State, Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, is reported to have passed on in the northern Nigeria city of Kaduna is about now being prepared for burial.
Sources in his political camp in Kaduna confirmed to BusinessDay that the late leftist politician who died in the earlier hours of today (Wednesday), after a brief illness, and will be buried this afternoon in Kaduna, after Muslim congregational prayer in his house.
One of several political allies, Shehu Sani, disclosed that the former governor left behind a wife and children. Born on 21st August 1936, Balarabe Musa was elected as governor of Kaduna state, assumed office in October 1979 to 1983, and was impeached on 23 June 1981 by the NPN controlled state legislators.
During, Nigerian Fourth Republic, he was the leader of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), a coalition of opposition parties. He was born in Kaya, Kaduna State, studied at Zaria Middle School (1947–1952) and at the Institute of Administration, Zaria (1952–1953) now Ahmadu Bello University
Musa was elected governor of Kaduna State in 1979 on the platform of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), a party founded by Mallam Aminu Kano. The dominant National Party of Nigeria (NPN) challenged his election unsuccessfully. His party was initially a member of the PPP alliance in opposition to the NPN, but later quietly withdrew. As Governor he was stalemated by the Kaduna state house of assembly, which was dominated by NPN members. He was unable to form a cabinet since he refused to nominate NPN members and the House refused to ratify his candidates. Eventually, the House impeached him in June 1981, making him the first Nigerian state governor ever to be impeached
