A former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose has described the old Kaduna State ex-governor Balarabe Musa as one of the few honest leaders in the country.
Musa died on Wednesday and would be buried later in the day according to Islamic rites.
Mr Fayose paid tributes to Musa in a tweet.
He said: “Painfully, Balarabe Musa, a nationalist and one of the few honest and courageous second generation of leaders in Nigeria is gone.
“His exit came at a time he is needed the most. We will miss him, but most importantly, his ideals of populism will be kept alive. May his soul RIP.”
President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement by his spokesman Garba Shehu on Wednesday said; “President Muhammadu Buhari joins government and people of Kaduna State in mourning a former civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, whose passing will be sorely missed by all Nigerians, who have diligently followed his antecedents as a voice for the voiceless.
“President Buhari believes Alhaji Musa reflected the passion and vigour that heralded Nigeria’s independence, which steadily translated into activism for return to democracy at the height of military interregnum and has remained steadfast in the call for good and inclusive governance.
“As the former governor goes home, the President affirms that he left a bold footprint on Nigeria’s democracy, and his role in promoting good governance and development will always be remembered and appreciated by posterity.
“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family, friends and associates.”
One of Musa’s sons Kallamu Balarabe-Musa confirmed his death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said Musa would be buried by 4 pm after funeral prayer at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna.
Musa was born on August 21, 1936 in Kaya, Kaduna State.
