By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has described former civilian governor of the old Kaduna state, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, as a “man of unassailable integrity and untainted record of public service.”
In a tribute to him on the occasion of his recently celebrated 81st birthday anniversary issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, the President said “even Musa’s worst enemies and critics cannot dispute his remarkable reputation for integrity and selfless service to the people.”
“Balarabe Musa is one of Nigeria’s brightest stars of integrity and sterling principles,” he said, adding that “the octogenarian has lived to his reputation by avoiding any conduct associated with corruption and dishonour.”
The President said his close association with Musa in the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) had enabled him “to appreciate the radical politician’s patriotism and his commitment to build strong opposition in the country in order to deepen democracy.”
He also praised Musa’s independent-mindedness, stressing that the principled politician could criticise even his friends, associates and allies when it comes to politics.
The President urged other politicians and younger citizens in particular to emulate Musa’s virtuous life of integrity, selflessness and patriotism in order to make Nigeria achieve progress.
According to him, politics is public service and not an opportunity to amass wealth overnight at the expense of the ordinary people or the voters.
He prayed that God would continue to bless the elder statesman with better health, more wisdom and longer life in the service of the country.
