Dariye debunked the rumour that he was running for Senate, describing it as unfounded and untrue.
Former Plateau State governor, Joshua Dariye, has debunked reports that he is planning to contest for Plateau Central Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections.
Dariye, who was released from prison three months after he was granted a pardon by the Council of State, had been said to have been offered a senatorial ticket of the Labour Party.
However, the former governor who was serving 10 years’ imprisonment for N1.126 billion fraud before he received the Presidential pardon described the reports as not true.
According to a statement Macham Makut, Governor Simon Lalong’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, on Friday, said Dariye denied having any political ambition.
The statement said Dariye narrated his ordeal and described it as a “difficult moment” but that “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,” The Punch quoted parts of the statement.
It said Dariye denied such a move while speaking when a delegation from the state government, led by Lalong, visited him and the former Governor of Taraba State, Jolly Nyame, to celebrate with the ex-convicts following their release from jail.
The statement further said, “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.”