KEHINDE FAJOBI
Joshua Dariye, a former governor of Plateau State, who was recently released from prison after being granted pardon, has denied contesting for a senatorial seat in 2023.
Dariye was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for N1.126 billion fraud, but only served about four years in prison before he was granted pardon by the Council of State three months ago.
Since he was released from prison, there have been rumours that Dariye was planning to defect to the Labour Party, to pick the party’s senatorial form to represent Plateau Central Zone.
However, he dismissed the rumour, saying it was “unfounded and untrue”.
Dariye said this during a state visitation by the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong and other delegates from the state to himself and Rev. Jolly Nyame, to rejoice with them over their release from prison.
In a statement issued on Friday by Lalong’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, after the visit read in part, “He(Daiye) 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 has not bought form or done anything to that effect.
“He advised politicians in Plateau to unite and rally around the Governor in promoting the interest of the citizens, saying governance is an opportunity for those in charge to do their best and leave posterity to judge their efforts as no one can finish the business of Government in a day.”
According to the statement, other members of the delegation on the visit included Plateau State First Lady, Mrs. Regina Lalong, National Assembly Members as well as Members of the State Executive Council who all visited Nyamecs residence as well.
The statement further read, “Lalong told Governor Dariye that the entire State received the news of his release with joy because they had been praying for him since his travails and incarceration happened.
“He said so much prayer and appeal was made towards 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 is the time for Chief Dariye to reflect and forgive people that may have offended him, as has been his practice during previous challenges.
“He prayed to God to continue to give him sound health even as he offered to advise the state while making available his vast knowledge for the good of the people.”