Why I will Not Run For  Senatorial Seat Now – Dariye

By Ayodele Oni

A former Governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye, has clarified that he is not contesting the Senate seat for the Plateau Central Senatorial District in 2023.

Dariye, who was serving a 10 – year imprisonment for N1.126bn fraud, was released last Monday three months after the National Council of States granted him state pardon and after serving for about four years in prison.

Immediately he walked into freedom, there were speculations that Dariye was set to defect to the Labour Party, (LP)to contest for the Senatorial ticket of Plateau Central zone.

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, Dariye dismissed the rumour of his Senatorial ambition, saying he had no intention to contest the Senatorial position in 2023.

Director of Press and Public Affairs, to the Governor,  Macham Makut, in a statement said Dariye used the occasion to narrate his ordeal in prison and said it was a difficult moment, but God saw him through and made him survive.

The statement added that Dariye also debunked the rumour that he was running for Senate, describing it as unfounded and untrue as he has not bought a 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 said that the Governor, 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, that Lalong told ex-Governor Dariye that the entire state received the news of his release with joy because the citizens have been praying for him since his incarceration.

The Governor, while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for giving Dariye another opportunity, said this was the time to reflect and forgive people that might have offended him as had been his practice during previous challenges.

The delegation also 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.

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.