I represent the ‘talakawa’ in Nigeria – Balarabe Musa

Alhaji Balarabe pointed this out in an interview with Weekly Trust at the launch of his biography: ‘Balarabe Musa, The Authorized Biography,’ written by Kevin Chrisanthus, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, on Thursday. “I don’t think it has ever happened. Particularly, a proletariat who has emerged at the level I have in the country,” Balarabe […]

Alhaji Balarabe pointed this out in an interview with Weekly Trust at the launch of his biography: ‘Balarabe Musa, The Authorized Biography,’ written by Kevin Chrisanthus, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, on Thursday.
 “I don’t think it has ever happened. Particularly, a proletariat who has emerged at the level I have in the country,” Balarabe Musa said, explaining why his story stands out from that of his peers.
Chrisanthus said he was inspired to write the book by the simplicity of the top opposition politician, who was elected governor during the second republic in 1979.
“Apart from his simplicity, a lot of people are not like him. The first time I heard about him was when I was a kid. I heard that he was impeached because he refused to steal money. I became fascinated and after my education, I went back to him and impressed upon him to allow me write about him,” the author said.
He also added that he spoke to three former heads of state – General Yakubu Gowon, General Muhammadu Buhari and General Abdulsalami Abubakar – while researching for the book.
The book reviewer, Prof. Alkassum Abba, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Adamawa State University, told Weekly Trust why the biography was significant: “It provides important lessons on what happened, what he did, what he did not do, and what others think about what he did and did not do. There are lessons to be drawn in terms of understanding the history and politics of Nigeria where he has contributed immensely in shaping it.”
The book launch was attended by guests from across the country, including top government officials and politicians, with former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, as host.