Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar have described the late Balarabe Musa as a patriot.
The former Nigerian leader said he was shocked by the passing.
In a statement by his spokesman, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Wednesday, Obasanjo said the former governor of old Kaduna State had an unwavering belief in a greater Nigeria.
He noted that Musa gave the best of his talent and ability in pursuit of the goal.
The former President recalled that the politician ran for the presidency on the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) platform in 2003.
“The late Alhaji Balarabe Musa will be remembered for his invaluable contribution to Nigeria’s political evolution.
“He brought renewed activism, verve and resourcefulness to bear on the nation’s polity,” Obasanjo added.
Musa was passionate about the country’s issues. He would be remembered for his critique of government.
In the same vein, Atiku disclosed what Balarabe Musa, ex-Kaduna State governor would be remembered for.
Atiku disclosed that Musa would be his heroic role in stopping military rule and restoring Democratic governance.
The former Vice President said the elder statesman died in active service for democracy in Nigeria.
He disclosed this in a series of tweets, on Wednesday.
According to Atiku: “Balarabe Musa was a leading light in the struggle for democratic rule, and he will be remembered for the heroic role he played in putting a stop to military rule and restoring democratic governance in the country. Indeed, he died in active service for democracy.
“As we mourn the loss of a patriot, it will be good to honour his memory by upholding the values that he lived and died for.
“Balarabe Musa lived for Nigeria’s unity and common understanding amongst the diverse tribes and cultures; he lived for a country where every citizen would be prosperous and safe.
“I pray that the Almighty Allah would accept his soul and give his family, associates and the government and people of Kaduna State the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it is deeply grieved by the death of elder statesman, outstanding Democrat and former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.
In a statement issued by Kola Ologbondiyan National Publicity Secretary, in Abuja on Wednesday, the party described Musa’s death as “a huge national loss given his steadfastness, patriotic contributions and zeal in fighting for the unity, stability and development of our nation.”
It said: “Alhaji Musa was a forthright leader, an embodiment of ideals, who spent the better part of his life championing the entrenchment of justice, equity, fairness and rule of law in every sector of our national life, despite the challenges he faced.
“Our party commiserates with the Balarabe Musa family, the government and people of Kaduna state, as well as his friends and associates even as we pray that the Almighty God grants eternal repose to his soul and fortitude to the family and the nation at large, to bear this irreparable loss.”