“I have just been released from prison”, rumours that I’m contesting Senatorial seat untrue – Dariye

Senator Joshua Achibi Dariye has denied contesting the 2023 Senatorial district election on the platform of Labour Party having been released from prison barely a week.

The former governor of Plateau State was jailed for 10 years for embezzling the sum of N1.126 billion belonging to Plateau State government during his 8 years in office.

He represented Plateau Central Senatorial district at the time he was sentenced, but benefitted from a presidential pardon after he spent 4 years out of 10 years, leaving 6 years he would have spent behind bars.

On Monday, 8th June, the former governor was released to the embrace of rumours all over the places that he has perfected plans to defect to the Labour Party (LP) to contest for Senatorial election in 2023.

Reacting to the rumour making the rounds, Dariye told the incumbent governor, Barr. Simon Lalong when he paid him a solidarity visit with a delegation that he had no intention to contest for the position in 2023 whatsoever.

His denial was further confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by governor Lalong’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, which reads 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.”

The statement quoted Dariye to have called on politicians in Plateau to rally support for Lalong, noting that governance was about opportunity for those in power to do their best.

The statement noted that Lalong, who was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Mrs. Regina, National Assembly Members as well as Members of the State Executive Council, also visited Nyame’s residence.