The Take it Back Movement commends the former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, on his retirement from active service as the National Chairman of his party, the People Redemption Party (PRP) as he cites fading health as the reason for stepping down.
In a country where the president resides abroad for months on end, enjoying the investments other countries have made in their health care system, and still hopes to run for a second term even in his frail, ineffectual condition, this is welcome news indeed.
Balarabe Musa has served Nigeria fearlessly and tirelessly. He holds the unique distinction of being the first elected Nigerian official to be impeached when in 1981, a corrupt State House of Assembly led by the then NPN (forerunner of today’s APC and PDP) removed him from office for standing firm against corruption.
For almost 40 years, Balarabe Musa has exemplified selfless service and personified patriotism. With his last action as Chairman of his party, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), he has again shown that he values the progress of his party and the nation, over the senseless accumulation of power. Many Nigerians might be pleasantly surprised that an incumbent leader should take this decision to give younger, fitter leaders the opportunity to emerge in creating a stronger nation. This is however, exactly the type of action that selfless leaders take.
While the Movement has always maintained that age cannot be the sole criterion for fit governance, it is refreshing to see that the old guards are starting to concede that, for Nigeria to progress, there must be room at the table for fresh ideas.
It is our hope that the other leaders take this important lesson on board as we continue to press forward in our struggle to reclaim Nigeria.
The TakeItBack Movement also wishes to thank Balarabe Musa again for his warm welcome of our leader, Omoyele Sowore, during his visit to Kaduna.