Nigerian businessman and former presidential candidate of the Peoples Trust (PT) in the 2019 general election Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has mourned former Ghana President John Jerry Rawlings and former old Kaduna State Governor Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, describing them as great sons of Africa.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Ibrahim, Olawepo-Hashim recalled that while he was on exile in Ghana in 1989, late Rawlings was a good host, who provided him with shelter.
He said: “I pay my tribute to two great sons of Africa, who passed away in the last two days – Flt Lt John Jerry Rawlings (retd), former President of the Republic of Ghana and Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, former Governor of old Kaduna State.
“Both were distinguished in their love for Africa’s development and their belief and hope for positive change in Africa.
“I was a personal beneficiary of President’s Rawlings kindness and solidarity with the African course in 1989. President Rawlings provided accommodation and protection for hundreds of African youths and students, fleeing persecution from their home governments in decent state guest houses through the office of the All African Students Union (AASU).
“AASU enjoyed diplomatic status in Ghana under his government. Africa has lost a good man.
“Balarabe Musa was a political icon and champion of ordinary Nigerians, including the elite, who truly desired a corruption-free Nigeria.
“As the first democratically elected governor of Kaduna State, late Balarabe Musa was quick in changing the fortunes of his dear state and had within a short span, achieved a developmental stride, which was unprecedented.
“Balarabe Musa would be remembered for his fearless approach to issues of governance and his constant remarks against under the table deals, which had made politicians at all levels to tread with caution.
“Nigeria has, indeed, lost a statesman,” he said.
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