By Ismail Auwal
Nigerians on social media have described the state pardons granted to Former Govenors Mr Joshua Dariye Jolly Nyame of Plateau and Taraba states, respectively, as antithesis of fight against corruption in the country.
Dariye and Nyame were serving prison terms for corruption when the presidency announced that have been pardoned on health grounds.
Dariye, 64, who governed Plateau from 1999 to 2007, was sentenced to prison for stealing N2 billion in public funds during his tenure as Plateau State governor from 1999 to 2007.
Nyame, 66, governor of Taraba State from 1999 to 2007, was serving a 12-year jail term at the Kuje prison for misappropriation of funds while he was in office. The Supreme Court upheld his conviction in February 2020.
@Olumuyiwa wrote, “This Buhari admin is a farce. The man whose mythical integrity and anti-corruption stance was his biggest selling point granted Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame (both jailed for corruption) pardons because of the 2023 elections.”
@OlayinkaLere said “He is fighting corruption… He pardoned Joshua Dariye who was jailed for corruption… Las las, una go get sense.”
Another user wrote@OlayinkaLere “It should be on record that Joshua Dariye, who was jailed for corruption, was PARDONED by Buhari’s APC govt that is “fighting corruption”
“Former Governor Joshua Dariye that stole Plateau State’s money, found guilty and convicted for it today got a Presidential pardon by the corruption fighting Buhari at the Council of State Meeting held at the Villa today. What exactly are we doing in this country?” wrote.
The two governors were among 159 prisoners pardoned by the Council on Thursday at the presidential villa in Abuja, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
