Balarabe and his fellow party man, the late Abubakar Rimi in Kano State, were the ideological northern stars of the politics of the Second Republic. They came into politics under the leadership of the revered Mallam Aminu Kano not with bags of money, but full of packs of progressive ideas.
THE death of Comrade Balarabe Musa represents a momentous exit of a genuine progressive and a tireless fighter for the interests of the poor.
Comrade Balarabe Musa was a revolutionary politician who consistently allied with the masses of our people. Unlike majority of Nigerian politicians, Balarabe never hesitated to pitch his tent with patriotic forces in the struggle for the transformation of the society.
Balarabe would be remembered in Nigeria’s political history as a consistent practitioner of ideological politics. Till his death, the essence of politics to him was to transform the condition of the poor masses, the talakawas, on the basis of justice and equity.
Balarabe and his fellow party man, the late Abubakar Rimi in Kano State, were the ideological northern stars of the politics of the Second Republic. They came into politics under the leadership of the revered Mallam Aminu Kano not with bags of money, but full of packs of progressive ideas.
When given the opportunity as the Kaduna State governor elected on the platform of the radical People’s Redemption Party (PRP), he proved his mettle in implementing policies that benefitted the peasants, workers and the others in the lower classes.
He and Rimi declared May Day as a public holiday to honour workers. Balarabe abolished jangali and other anti-people’s taxes.
In Balarabe Musa’s transition to eternity, Nigeria has lost a credible voice at a time that the masses are being shredded along sectional divides by reactionary politicians in the country. Comrade Balarabe’s death is a wake-up call on all patriots to intensify the struggle for the emancipation of our people from internal and external colonialism.
Almost 40 years ago, he refused to compromise on principle with the reactionary elements in the Kaduna State legislature dominated by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He became the first governor to be impeached. He maintained this principle in his political life till the end.
When his political party, the People’s Redemption Party was factionalised, Balarabe and other comrades defended the progressive programmes of the party
The democratic space in Nigeria was expanded by the Comrade via the case of Balarabe Musa v Independent National Electoral Commission handled by the Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN)
In Balarabe Musa’s transition to eternity, Nigeria has lost a credible voice at a time that the masses are being shredded along sectional divides by reactionary politicians in the country. Comrade Balarabe’s death is a wake-up call on all patriots to intensify the struggle for the emancipation of our people from internal and external colonialism.
It’s hoped that members of the present and future generations who are interested in pro-people politics would learn great lessons from his exemplary political career of patriotism and unwavering commitment to the cause of the people.
Our condolences to members of his biological and political families!
May Balarabe’s life inspire a greater commitment to the struggle for a just and humane social order in Nigeria!
Adieu, Great Comrade!
Falana (SAN) sent his tribute from Lagos.
