DARIYE'S RETURN AND THE FUTURE OF POLITICS IN THE PLATEAU

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, April 27, 2022; SMS: 08116181263)

DARIYE'S RETURN AND THE FUTURE OF POLITICS IN THE PLATEAU

On April 14, 2022, in the evening, news filtered into town that two terms Ex-governor, Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye has been granted a presidential pardon by the Council of State which is an advisory body to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The news reports were initially scanty until I read the Press Release made by Plateau Youth Council (PYC). From largely unreliable Social Media reports, conventional Media platforms later carried the news and this established the authenticity of the State pardons.

The details of the report indicated that out of 162 applications presented before the Council of State, 159 were confirmed and approved with the Ex-governor and his Taraba colleague, Rev. Jolly name who was serving a 12-year jail term on the favoured list.

The mood in Plateau State was largely that of jubilation, but not without reservations from perceived political opponents. Since the news broke, no official statement had come either from Dariye himself, his aides, or the family. However, the Pardon of Sen. Dariye is a reality that has come to stay and this is cheering news to family, friends, and political associates. 

Which way anybody can look at it, Distinguished Sen. Chief JC Dariye is a force in plateau politics. Since this son of the state, popularly called Khawun Mushere, gave a shot at the governorship seat of the state in 1996 under the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), his name has continued to ring a bell in the political firmament of the state and, by extension, Nigeria.

He won and become Governor-elect under the UNCP but the coming of the Abacha's military regime scuttled the consummation of the democratic transition program in the country and Plateau State. Dariye was later re-elected governor of the state and was sworn in as Governor of Plateau State on May 29, 1999. In 2003, he won a second tenure, which lasted till 2007 with so many obstructions and difficulties.

Chief Dariye's political sagacity earned him the nickname, "Head boy of Plateau Politics!" Even after going through the treacherous experience of his illegal impeachment and the suspension of political structures under the guise of emergency rule, the former governor eventually ended his tenure and later became two terms Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the good people of Plateau Central Senatorial District.

I stumbled on His Excellency, Chief. Dariye was a political enigma in 2007 when he featured at the grand finale of the campaign of the then, little known political toddler, Major Satty Davis Gogwim (rtd) who eventually defeated the then Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu of blessed to be a Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria. Mantu was, at the time, a very influential political colossus, but Dariye's input amongst others greatly contributed to the victory of the former.

Let me recount here that at the rally at Pankshin, I stood close to an old man whom, I guess, came from kanam. This grey-haired man, overwhelmed by the thunderous applause Dariye received when he stood up to address the mammoth crowd that graced the rally, broke into tears as he said in Hausa, "Mutane biyu din nan ne party a Plato, amma damuwa ya Shiga sakaninsu" which translated in English means, These  two men

- referring to Ex-governor Dariye and Late Sen. Mantu who were formerly best political friends, but later fell out with each other and become strange bedfellows. Emotion failed the Kanam man (if I got it right) over Dariye's intimidating political cloud.

Indeed, Sen. Dariye is an index of a fine political juggernaut. His sense of empathy is second to none. Khawun Mushere is a very generous man and his open-armed disposition has put smiles on the faces of many in the state. Dariye knows how to time his political moves and his presence at public functions always creates a lasting impression in the minds of people. I will sample at least three occasions to buttress this point.

First, was a story my father told me about one of the rallies he attended at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos. My dad state said while they were on their way to Jos, some of their co-travelers were complaining about Dariye's leadership style. However, when the then Governor arrived at the venue, the stadium was entirely thrown into wild jubilation and even those that were complaining could not hide their joy but railroaded into dancing and celebrating this magnetic governor. That is Dariye for you!

Again a man shared an experience he witnessed at the Federal Secretariat Jos with me. He said, Dariye used to be a subject of complaint in their office, but one day the governor visited their office and gave them a huge sum of money that made them overwhelmed with joy. After the visit, the "Head boy" became the toast of the office and the former accusers could engage in a physical fight with anybody in defense of chief Dariye. The Point is that Dariye has what it takes to turn a political enemy into a political friend and that is the hallmark of a seasoned politician!

The third experience I witnessed myself was at the Church of Christ in Nations (RCC) Kabwir, Kanke Local government. It was a retirement/inauguration service that Governor Dariye attended. While giving his Goodwill message, the governor donated a car to the retiring Reverend to the utter surprise of the audience. The retiring celebrant, Rev. Siman Komye could not hide his joy, and some of us whom the Reverend had pastored returned home with exceeding joy.  These experiences have been just specimens of several other experiences many had with the man at different places.

Dariye has been a great benefactor to many people out there. However, the man had gone through daunting challenges in life. He has suffered betrayals of all sorts from political associates and friends; suffered unbearable treatments, even from his kinsmen. For instance, the impeachment and state of emergency Dariye's regime suffered were largely plotted by political associates whom he has sacrificed a lot for.

Dariye's father was abducted twice and was eventually killed by blood-thirsty criminals who perpetrated the heinous act in active collaboration with his kinsmen. However, not deterred by the tendencies of ingrates, the man has continued to make history in philanthropic gestures. He is still a kind man with a forgiving heart.

Let it be categorically stated here that Sen. Dariye is not perfect. There is nothing to suggest that he is in error prove. Part of Dariye's shortcomings manifested when he was charged with corruption cases, found guilty, and convicted to serve a 10-year jail term by the supreme court of Nigeria. Being infallible, he offended the state and possibly individuals, that is human.  We, all, have defaulted in our ways too. Thank God, Dariye has been granted a state pardon. Perhaps, the best news for Dariye's family, political associates, and well-wishers in the year 2022 came from a liberating state pardon!

When Dariye's freedom was announced most of the reactions I got on the Social Media and even verbally, indicated that the man's freedom will change the political chemistry and permutations of the state, especially, as it affects the 2023 poll. How this insinuation plays out is a matter of conjecture which is hanging in the womb of time. Whatever it is, Dariye's freedom, I guess, is the most important for him and his family. It takes freedom to make a difference in the land of the living.

The implications of the state pardon, from the point of law, is that the sins Sen. Dariye committed against the state have been forgiven. He can express and confidently aspire to occupy the highest office in the land if he so wishes. Therefore, what is left for him is to pick the pieces of his life and face the task ahead.

Nobody knows what Dariye's plans are but one thing is certain, his presence alone could shape the political permutations and combinations of Plateau State. The Headboy is still active and I do not think he will stand aloof to the political happenings in the State and Nigeria. Because he is involved, he will be involved. Politicians do not quit, they only fade away and I do not think Dariye has faded away as far as politics is concerned.

The prevailing anxiety everywhere in Plateau State is the question of who will be the next Governor of the state? Can the incumbent Governor, Lalong breaks the jinx and single-handedly install his successor, or needs the input from the likes of political heavyweights Dariye? Should these two men fall apart, what will happen? Is the state expecting a surprise? Who knows, time shall tell. What is known is that politics is a game of corporate relevance that is perfected through alignments and realignments of forces. If the political forces in Plateau State failed to align properly, the next Governor in the state might emerge through protest votes!

He who fights alone dies alone and especially so in the game of politics. When Dariye and Mantu fell apart, a Jang emerged; should Lalong and Dariye fall apart, it will be politically risky for both men. The Jang - Jeremiah groups have to put their house to give a good fight. Do not underestimate the role of the number sixth citizen in Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Idris Maje; Hon. Minister Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Kedem Tallen OFR, and other critical stakeholders will play. Their roles could make a difference, especially, when a majority of them come with one voice. Time shall, also, tell.

If I were to advise, however, I will challenge Sen. Dariye to use his political experience and cloud to mentor young politicians in the art of development politics. He has seen it all, so, the task of providing credible political leadership, especially in the state is what is remaining. The Head boy has all that it takes to step into the oversized shoes left by the duo of elder statesmen like JD Gomwalk and Baba Solomon Daushep Lar, the Emancipator of blessed memory. Baba Jang would have been but squandered the opportunity on the altar of tribal politics. I hope Dariye will take caution to avoid the booby trap that could cause his chances.

If Dariye fails, an opportunity has come for another plateau son to take over. Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, the current governor has ample opportunity to give a shot at becoming the myth of the state's politics but it depends on how he ends his tenure. Welcome home your excellency, Sen. JC Dariye, "Ikon Allah", the political cat with nine lives!