AS THE 'HEAD BOY' RETURNS HOME
*(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, September 13, 2022; SMS: 08116181263)*
The focus of this article is Distinguished Senator and former governor of Plateau State, Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye who has been nicknamed "Head Boy" of Plateau Politics. Recall, on April 14, 2022, the Nigerian Council of State led by the President Muhammadu Buhari granted and approved state pardon to 162 convicts amongst whom were former governor of Plateau State, Chief Dariye and the former governor of Taraba State, Reverend Jolly Nyame. It is curious that after the Council made the cheering pronouncement, it took over four (4) months for Dariye, Nyame and three (3) others to be freed.
The former Governors were released from Kuje Custodian Centre on August 8, 2022. Their release was confirmed to a Punch Newspaper correspondent by Chukwuedo Humphrey, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service Federal Capital Territory through a telephone interview that fateful day. It was, indeed, a cheering news which ended months of speculations that the delay in the release of the former governors, especially, Chief Dariye was politically motivated by vested interests from Plateau State.
I do not want to subscribe to the shared insinuation that former governor Dariye was not released immediately for political reasons. However, should that insinuation be true, then, work done zero for those who masterminded the delay because the electoral process is not over yet. The man is now free and has only missed party primaries. He will be on ground months before the General Elections scheduled for first quarter of 2023.
Suffice to state here that aside the release of Dariye is the issue of another former governor and Distinguished Senator Jonah David Jang who has been having protracted legal battle since May 4, 2018 over a 17 count charge or allegation bothering on diversion and misappriation of state's funds amounting to N6.3billion labelled against him by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but discharged and acquitted by Hon. Justice Christen Dapup of Jos High Court on Friday, September 2, 2022. These crucial legal developments have implication for politics in Plateau State since Dariye, Jang and the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong who is also Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General (DG), Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, seemed to be having divergent political preferences as to who becomes the next governor of the state.
Freedom is sweet. Since Dariye was released, the atmosphere around him and his well-wishers have been that of exceeding joy. From the Khawun Mushere himself to his family members, political associates, citizens of Plateau and, indeed, lovers of freedom have come the expression of overflowing joy. This great joy is clearly reflected in the number of cheering guests the once caged but now free Dariye has been receiving.
Just the way Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is witnessing, there is high traffic on the road leading to Senator Dariye's Abuja residence since he release from incarceration. Everyday, the former Governor receives rainbow of guests, especially, members of the political class from Plateau State ahead of 2023 General Elections. This continouos visit to Dariye who is reputed the "Head Boy of Plateau Politics" is for obvious reasons: Politics!
Those visiting and answering roll call at the former governor's residence cut across party lines, an indication that the man is acknowledged the father for all in Plateau politics having served the state as governor for two terms of Four (4) years each and also serving as Senator representing Plateau Central Zone for over six (6) consecutive years before his conviction and subsequent incarceration in 2017.
Truth be told, the influence of Dariye in Plateau Politics cannot be underrated or underestimated. Whether behind bars or out of it, this giant political figure has continued to be a well sought after political consultant for many within and outside the state. Given his political cloud, the man has the capacity to alter the political permutations and combinations of Plateau State.
Chief Joshua Dariye is a political enigma, collossus, jugganaut and phoenix. In the game of politics, he can be said to be the proverbial cat with nine lives. Through practical experiences Khawun Mushere is a seasoned political figure who has seen through all the good, the bad and the urgly in politics. It is, therefore, expected that his travails will give birth to a strategic pearl that will shape the political orientation of emerging political legends in Plateau and Nigeria.
Those who saw Dariye as a politically exposed person will take caution less they fall. Those who believe in bouncing after any fall will learn the power of resilience from him. Dariye is a lesson in political tolerance and forgiveness and as he returns, I can see him reflecting on Nelson Mandela's words on Marble that reads: "As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison." This reflection is necessary in view of the glaring act of betrayal and abandonment that is common occurrences in the game of politics and for which Dariye is a classical victim!
Baring any change in plan, Senator Dariye will touch down in Plateau State tomorrow, Wednesday, September 21, 2022 to continue with the game he knows how to play best. This is coming after over four years of his relative political sabbatical in a correctional centre. For some, his long absence has unsettled his balance in the political space but I doubt if this is the case.
As far as politics is concern, Dariye has a magic wand. From all indications, the Headboy is gleaning his way back to political relevance. How he does that is a secret card that the political enigma kept closed to his chest. The reality is that the harder Dariye falls, the stronger he bounce back. For instance, he was suspended under state of emergency for six (6) months, he bounced back; he was illegally impeached, he returned. Dariye emerged from obscurity to win senatorial seat under an opposition, Labour Party and later won again under the then ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) when his arch political rival, Senator David Jang was governor. How Dariye survived those boopy traps is a mystery yet to be uncovered!
Dariye's history in politics is reflective of an old adage which says: It is not for a leopard to defeat a lion whose teeth has broken. In other words, whoever contents with Dariye's political war chest must be prepared for a heavy battle. Take it or leave it, Dariye is a master strategist in Plateau Politics. He has what it takes to woo political foes to his side. The man in the mirror is not being overrated here but acknowledged for what he has practically done in the political firmament of the state and can be reinvented as a freeman!
To be free is like getting to heaven. If this simile holds, then, the following applies: 'Getting to heaven is easy but staying there is going to take a little work' (Adena, 2008). In other words, it's one thing to be free and another to stay free. So, now that Dariye is free, there is a little more of work for him to be done in tithering, that is, connecting his liberation to the practical liberation of Plateau State and its people in all ramifications.
When Dariye returns home, he will not just be seen in the political space only. Having been through "Patmos" political experience for about half a decade, His Excellency is in a better position to understand life and to broker (champion) the course of peace and reconciliation among contending political forces in the state. He can provide wise counsel against unhealthy political and social practices that are capable of pulling down or landing any of our statesmen behind bars.
Never again shall the fate that befell Dariye befall any Plateau son or daughter. This prayer, however, might just be a joke when the citizens, especially, the political class are not tolerant, considerate and united in galvanising Plateau heritage. Chief Dariye, having seen it all, also, could make himself formidable rallying point for a united Plateau. This is even so as he is the most senior former governor of the state in the Fourth Republic (with due respect to other democratically elected governors of the state like Sir Fidelis Tapgun, Jonah David Jang and Governor Simon Bako Lalong and many others that will follow as the Lord tarries!
Political conflicts are very important elements of a functional society. More than conflict, however, is the strategic capacity of the elites, especially, political elites (leaders) to build mechanisms for its resolution and to make the system work for the common good. Political elites are surposed to be the doyens upon which the general peace and stability of any society depend. In the spirit of patriotism and brotherliness/sisterliness, therefore, the human and material resources of Plateau State could be diligently mobilised, harnessed and judiciously deployed to advance the corporate welfare of the citizenry.
As Dariye returns, I challenge him to partner other critical stakeholders in the state to, objectively, chart a common front for the development of the state. There is need for concerted effort to make the state work at all levels and across key sectors in which the state has comparative advantage. Plateau State cannot afford to lag behind in the 21th century where competitiveness, trade openness and cognitive knowledge are driving forces.
The State is a blessed state but existing in the eye of storm since the return of democracy in 1999 and, particularly, from September 7, 2001 when violent crisis broke in the state. It is very strategic but fragile such that it requires the collective investment of all to secure its corporate peace and tranquility. In view of the inherent moral decay which is deconstructing the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people, courtesy cultural globalisation, there is also need to content with the 'clear and present danger' which this reality brings. Dariye has a role to partner government and other development partners to reorder Plateau State towards holistic prosperity.
It is imperative to note that freedom is power and power is freedom. May God, therefore, continue to empower Dariye to serve the common good of Plateau in the days ahead. May his role with that of other political actors translate into the emergence of a political leader whose resourcefulness will usher Plateau into a model state where there is something worthy for the welfare of all. This State deserves a quantum leap and any leader that will bring this about is welcome. Plateau shall rise again.
Bondage has expiry date, freedom is a human right. Thank God for the blessing of freedom. I hereby congratulate and welcome home, His Excellency and Distinguished Senator J. C. Dariye, the Khawun Mushere and Head Boy of Plateau Politics. The people are happy to have you back to roost. He whose sins are forgiven is free indeed. May the man in the mirror continue to fly in delight in the company of free people!
