Plateau State governor Simon Lalong, has paid a courtesy visit to Joshua Dariye, former governor of the state, days after he was released from Kuje Prison.
In a statement by his spokesman,
Makut Simon Macham, on Friday said the governor alongside his wife, lawmakers from the state and some members of the State Executive Council visited Dariye at his Abuja residence on Thursday.
Governor Lalong said the entire state received the news of Dariye’s release with joy because they have been praying for him since his travails.
Lalong, however, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for granting Dariye a state pardon, after spending about four years in prison.
The statement reads: “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 offers to advise 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.
The former governor narrated his ordeal in prison and said it was a difficult moment but God saw him through and made him survive.
“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.”
Thereafter, the delegation visited former Taraba governor, Jolly Nyame at his Abuja residence, days after he was released from Kuje correctional facility.
The statement reads: “Lalong said the entire people of Taraba and Plateau States are excited about his release because the two states share historical ties that have bonded them together over many years.
“Lalong advised 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.
“While receiving the delegation, the former governor expressed deep appreciation for the role Lalong played in 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 will be put behind so that they forge forward.”
