In this interview, Ibrahim, the eldest son of a former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, tells ARUKAINO UMUKORO about his father’s political ideology
Introduce yourself, please.
My name is Dr. Ibrahim Balarabe Musa. I’m a Permanent Secretary in the Kaduna State Ministry of Youths and Sports. I’m the eldest son of Alhaji Balarabe Musa, a former governor of Kaduna State. He was governor in 1979.
How was it growing up with your father?
It was normal. By the time he was a governor, I was in the university, but we had a normal childhood. Then, there was no difference between a rich man’s child and that of a poor man. My dad loved education and he made sure everyone in the house had education. My father is a disciplined person and I grew up imbibing that discipline from my childhood days.
What are some of the values you learnt from your father?
I learnt first of all to be honest in earning one’s living, and also to be sympathetic to the plight of others. He taught me that it is important to help other people around; to give attention to one’s religion, but not to be fanatical about it, or dislike other people because of their religion. I remember then our Christian classmates used to visit us at home during holidays. There was no discrimination.
How would you describe your father’s tenure and what were some of his achievements as governor?
He is a socialist by principle. He practised socialism and succeeded in many ways within a very short time. Up till now, the things he had built or invested in are still there. He is the first person to build that number of schools in the state. Also, the industries and some infrastructure he built are still there. He built flour mills, pharmaceutical companies and factories. He established a lot of agricultural projects in the state and he also did rural electrification projects.
How did he become a socialist?
He grew up in London. London has a history of socialism. Lenin, Stalin and others ran away from Russia and went to London for a long time. There were groups that were completely socialist then. Also, his association with Mallam Aminu Kano made him more of a socialist.
What are his views about the elections in Nigeria and where does his allegiance lie?
He has no allegiance to any party. He is a socialist and he would continue to be one. He maintains that this present crop of political parties is not what he believes in. His view of socialism is the one that cuts across social structures. He is not a capitalist.
How did your father feel when he was impeached as governor?
He is not the type of person who worries about political office and the impeachment was never a worry to him.
He contested the presidential elections in 2003 under the Peoples Redemption Party. How did he feel when he lost?
He has always contested elections based on his rights as a citizen and on principles not because he has money. Winning is not his problem.
It was said that he didn’t have enough money to buy posters at the time. What are his views about politicians that want to win elections at all costs?
He was trying to inform people and teach them to know that they can contest election even without money or posters. Politicians who want to win elections at all costs are thieves to him. They don’t have anything to offer the people.
How disappointed was he that he couldn’t contest because he didn’t have enough money?
He was not disappointed because he didn’t have money, but he was disappointed because people don’t consider one until one gives them money. It’s just like a person in a ditch telling one to give him money before that person agrees to bring him out. Please note that my father is not against honest riches, but he wants the rich to share with the poor, simply because without the poor the rich can’t be rich or wealthy.
What is his view on corruption in Nigeria?
He is incorruptible and one should expect him to fight it (corruption) with all his powers. To even lie is an offence to him let alone corruption. I have never seen a person that hates corruption like him.
Some people may say your father is very rich because he is into politics. Is he a rich man?
He is not a rich man.
What is his view about the 2015 elections?
Like I said, he is not inclined to any party. He is not impressed by their performance. He is struggling to see that his party comes alive. Unfortunately, age has caught up with him. He is almost 80 years old now. But he still wants to be active. As his children, we don’t discourage him from that. Just like he encourages us to do what is right, we also encourage him in whatever he wants to do.
Who did he support during the presidential elections?
I don’t think he had a favourite candidate. He just wants a better Nigeria.
Due to incessant religious crises, Kaduna State seems to have lost some of its allure. How does your father feel about Kaduna today unlike in his time when it was more cosmopolitan?
During his time as governor, there was no religious discrimination. It was later the politicians used religion for their interests. But things are getting better in the state. People are more understanding of one another now. Although some people have alienated themselves because of fear, they still interact with one another and work together as friends and also forgive. With time, religious divisions will be a thing of the past.
What are his views about religious and ethnic divisions in the country?
He does not support religious or ethnic divisions. He interacts with everyone from every tribe. He advises people to let go of their religious and ethnic differences. He is not tribalistic. That’s why he has friends among the Yoruba, Igbo, and other tribes in the country.
Who are some of your father’s closest friends and contemporaries?
Some of my father’s close friends are Chief Lateef Jakande, Jim Nwobodo, Anthony Enahoro, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Olu Falae; I can name so many of them. My father is a true Nigerian. For example, I know Jakande’s family personally, that shows how close my father is to him. Some of them met themselves in the 50s in London, United Kingdom.
Would you say your father influenced your career choice?
No, my father did not influence any of our career choices. He allowed us to choose on our own. I grew up to become what I am today because I passed through the stages. He advises us with respect but he didn’t influence our career choices. I have brothers and sisters who are lawyers, architects and one is even a pilot. None of my siblings is involved in politics. Personally, I do not like politics and I try to discourage them (from joining). I am not a politician, I am a civil servant.
Would you say your father’s name has opened doors for you?
His name has not opened doors for me. I worked hard to get to where I am today. I am educated and I have a Ph.D. I started working as a Level 8 officer and I rose through the ranks. Where is the influence? Yes, he may have an influential name, but I have never tried to take advantage of leveraging on his name.
What are his hobbies?
He likes travelling and reading. He also likes farming. He has big farms. He plants arable crops like maize, guinea corn and so on. He also has cattle. You know, most of us Northerners have a farming background. I am also a farmer. I have a poultry farm.
What are your father’s likes and dislikes?
He dislikes indiscipline and lies. He doesn’t like people telling him lies. He doesn’t like dishonesty. He loves children and he loves education.
What is his daily routine like?
When he wakes up in the morning, he says his prayers. Then he prepares for the day. He meets with his contemporaries and his friends. He also interacts with traders after which he goes to his farms. He doesn’t return until around 5pm or 6pm in the evening. Sometimes, he also does some travelling.
How much is he involved with groups such as the Arewa Consultative Forum and others?
He doesn’t like such tribal groupings. He believes that people should interact on an individual basis not because of one’s tribal affiliations. If it is a group that unites everyone, then he would show interest. He doesn’t belong to any of these groups. But sometimes they come to him for advice. He would say one cannot build one Nigeria with just one tribe. Dad believes in a united Nigeria, not because one is Hausa or Yoruba that one should be part of a group.
How close is your dad to former president Shehu Shagari?
Shehu Shagari is a humble and very nice person. He and my father interact and respect each other personally but it is not based on political platforms.
What is your dad’s favourite food?
He likes tuwo masara (maize flour meal) and miyan kuka (Baobab leaf soup). He also likes eating chicken a lot. He could eat it every day.
What is his favourite drink?
He likes fura de nono (cow milk).
Your father must feel disappointed with the Boko Haram insurgency in the north….
Yes, he is not happy with the Boko Haram insurgency. He doesn’t like me bringing any newspaper to him that has news about Boko Haram. He tells me not to bring it to him if it has any news of Boko Haram in it. He is sad about the insurgency. He has passion and big dreams for Nigeria. He wants a peaceful Nigeria.
Did he share with you his views on how the insurgency can be curbed?
We don’t discuss at length about the Boko Haram issue. But he believes that if there is equitable distribution of wealth, there would be peace and harmony. However, if there is no equitable distribution of wealth, then we would have problems.
Do you think he feels northern leaders have failed its people by not providing enough in terms of education?
He has been saying it, that the northern elders have failed, especially in the acquisition and distribution of wealth. That is what worries him. He believes that if one has too much wealth, one should distribute it to others, and that would bring harmony.
How did he discipline his children whenever they erred?
He didn’t use the cane or use abusive words. But he would let you know from his words and actions.
How is his relationship with your mum and his wives?
He respects them and they respect him. They have a good marriage.
What kind of books does your father read?
He reads sociology books, history books, and Chinese literature. He reads books about Nigeria and world history, as well as the evolution of languages. He also reads books about Karl Marx. He is very versed in Marx’s works.
What do you think should be his legacy?
He always wants to be remembered as a socialist. He wants a peaceful and harmonious Nigeria where everyone would love one another.
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