A former governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye, who was recently released from prison three months after he was granted state pardon by the Council of State, has said he is not contesting the Senate seat for the Plateau Central Senatorial District in 2023.
Dariye, who was serving 10 years’ imprisonment for N1.126bn fraud, was released last Monday after about four years in prison.
Following his release, there have been speculation that Dariye was set to defect to the Labour Party to contest for the senatorial ticket of Plateau Central zone.
But, speaking when the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, led a delegation to visit him and a former governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame, to rejoice with them over their release from prison after being granted pardon, Dariye dismissed the rumour of his senatorial ambition, saying he had no intention to contest the senatorial position next year.
A statement issued on Friday after the visit by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, read in part, “He (Dariye) narrated his ordeal in prison and said it was a difficult moment, but God saw him through and made him survive.
“Dariye also debunked the rumour that he was running for Senate, describing it as unfounded and untrue as he had not bought form or done anything to that effect.
“He advised politicians in Plateau to unite and rally round the governor in promoting the interest of the citizens, saying governance was an opportunity for those in charge to do their best and leave posterity to judge their efforts as no one could finish the business of government in a day.”
The statement noted that Lalong, who was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Regina; National Assembly members from the state; as well as members of the State Executive Council, was also at the residence of Nyame.
The statement added, “Lalong told ex-governor Dariye that the entire state received the news of his release with joy because the citizens had been praying for him since his incarceration happened.
“He said so much prayer and appeal were made for the pardon granted to him and thankfully, the President was magnanimous to accept to grant the pardon.
“The governor, while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for giving Dariye another opportunity, said this was the time for Chief Dariye to reflect and forgive people that might have offended him as had been his practice during previous challenges.
“He prayed to God to continue to give him sound health even as he offered advice to the state while making available his vast knowledge for the good of the people.
“Responding, Dariye said he was full of appreciation to God for making his release possible and also using people like Governor Lalong and President Buhari to make his release possible.
“Thereafter, the delegation visited the residence of former Taraba State governor, Rev Jolly Nyame, who also expressed deep appreciation for the role that Governor Simon Lalong played towards his pardon and release.
“Nyame said he was highly encouraged by the love and care shown towards him and Dariye, saying the experience of the past would be put behind so that they could forge ahead.
“Governor Lalong, while congratulating him over his freedom, said the entire people of Taraba and Plateau states were excited with their release because they shared historical ties that bonded them together over many years.
“While urging Nyame to also forgive anyone that might have offended him in the course of his ordeal, Lalong said the act of forgiveness brings total healing and freedom.”
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