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{{Short description|Nigerian accountant and politician}}
{{Short description|Nigerian accountant and politician (born 1957)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
⚫
{{Infobox Governor
{{Use Nigerian English|date=August 2024}}
⚫
| name = Joshua Chibi Dariye
⚫
{{Infobox officeholder
⚫
| image =
| width = 150px
|name = Joshua Dariye
| office4. = [[Governor of Plateau State]]
|image =
| term_start4 = May 29, 1999
|caption =
|office1 = [[Senate of Nigeria|Senator]] for [[Plateau Central senatorial district|Plateau Central]]
| term_end4 = May 18, 2004
| predecessor4 = [[Musa Shehu]]
|term_start1 = 6 June 2011
| successor4 = [[Chris Alli]]
|term_end1 = 9 June 2019
| office3. = [[Governor of Plateau State]]
|predecessor1 = [[Satty Davies Gogwim]]
| term_start3 = November 18, 2004
|successor1 = [[Hezekiah Dimka]]
| term_end3 = November 13, 2006
|office2 = [[Governor of Plateau State]]
| predecessor3 = [[Chris Alli]]
|term_start2 = 27 April 2007
| successor3 = [[Michael Botmang]]
|term_end2 = 29 May 2007
| office2 = [[Governor of Plateau State]]
|deputy2 = [[Michael Botmang]]
| term_start2 = April 27, 2007
|predecessor2 = Michael Botmang
| term_end2 = May 29, 2007
|successor2 = [[Jonah David Jang]]
| predecessor2 = [[Michael Botmang]]
|term_start3 = 18 November 2004
| successor2 = [[Jonah Jang]]
|term_end3 = 13 November 2006
| office1 = Senator for [[Plateau Central Senatorial District]]
|deputy3 = Michael Botmang
| term_start1 = May 2011
|predecessor3 = Chris Alli
| term_end1 = June 2019
|successor3 = Michael Botmang
| predecessor1 = [[Satty Davies Gogwim]]
|term_start4 = 29 May 1999
| successor1 = Hezekiah Dimka
|term_end4 = 18 May 2004
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1957|7|27|df=y}}
|deputy4 = Michael Botmang
| birth_place = Horop, Mushere, [[Bokkos]] LGA, [[Plateau State]]
|predecessor4 = [[Musa Shehu]]
| death_date =
|successor4 = [[Chris Alli]]
⚫
|birth_name = Joshua Chibi Dariye
⚫
| party = [[All Progressive Congress (Nigeria)|All Progressive Congress]]
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1957|7|27|df=y}}
⚫
| nationality = [[Nigerian]]
|birth_place = [[Bokkos]], [[Northern Region, Nigeria|Northern Region]], [[Colonial Nigeria|British Nigeria]] (now in [[Plateau State]], Nigeria)
⚫
| spouse = Valentina Dariye
| children = Nanle, Joy, Ebenezer, Ruth
|death_date =
⚫
|death_place =
⚫
|nationality = Nigerian
⚫
|party = [[All Progressives Congress]]
|otherparty = [[Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria)|Peoples Democratic Party]]<br>[[Labour Party (Nigeria)|Labour Party]]
⚫
|spouse = Valentina Dariye
|children = {{hlist|Nanle|Joy|Ebenezer|Ruth}}
|occupation = {{hlist|Politician|accountant}}
}}
}}
'''Joshua Chibi Dariye''' (born 27 July 1957) assumed office as the [[List of Governors of Plateau State|Governor]] of [[Plateau State]], [[Nigeria]] on May 29, 1999 during the [[1999 Plateau State gubernatorial election]] on the platform of the [[People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)|People's Democratic Party]] (PDP). He was re-elected for another four-year term starting in May 2003, and was impeached in November 2006 though the impeachment was nullified by the Nigerian appeal court in March 27, 2007, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court the following month effectively returning Dariye to office for the remainder of his tenure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/272050-breaking-another-ex-nigerian-governor-convicted-of-fraud.html|title=Another ex-Nigerian governor convicted of fraud|date=12 June 2018|access-date=4 September 2019}}</ref>
'''Joshua Chibi Dariye''' (born 27 July 1957) is a Nigerian politician who served as the senator representing the [[Plateau Central senatorial district]] from 2011 to 2019. He previously served as the [[governor of Plateau State]] from 1999 to 2004; 2004 to 2006; and from April to May 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/272050-breaking-another-ex-nigerian-governor-convicted-of-fraud.html|title=Another ex-Nigerian governor convicted of fraud|last=Okakwu|first=Evelyn|date=12 June 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
in Horop, Mushere, [[Bokkos]] Local Government Area of [[Plateau State]]. Dariye was a businessman before becoming a politician. He was a strong mobilizer for the election of President [[Olusegun Obasanjo]] in the People's Democratic Party Primaries in 1999 as well as Obasanjo's re-election in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Abidoye |first1=Bisi |title=How Obasanjo's failed third term agenda was funded — New Book |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/283530-how-obasanjos-failed-third-term-agenda-was-funded-new-book.html |website=Premium Times |date=14 September 2018 |access-date=28 January 2019}}</ref> At a regional level, he has chaired the Governors' forum of the States in Northern Nigeria.
In Horop, Mushere, [[Bokkos]] Local Government Area of [[Plateau State]]. Dariye was a businessman before becoming a politician. He was a strong mobilizer for the election of President [[Olusegun Obasanjo]] in the People's Democratic Party Primaries in 1999 as well as Obasanjo's re-election in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|last=Abidoye|first=Bisi|title=How Obasanjo's failed third term agenda was funded — New Book|url=https://premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/283530-how-obasanjos-failed-third-term-agenda-was-funded-new-book.html|work=[[Premium Times]]|date=14 September 2018|access-date=28 January 2019}}</ref> At a regional level, he has chaired the Governors' forum of the States in Northern Nigeria.


==Political life==
==Political life==
===Governor===
===As Governor===
During his time as governor, he was arrested in [[London]], [[England]] on 20 January 2004, with large sums of money.<ref name=Profile>BBC [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6908960.stm Profile: Joshua Dariye]</ref> Serving governors have immunity from criminal prosecution and the [[Economic and Financial Crimes Commission]] (EFCC), an anti corruption agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria established to check corrupt practices was waiting for 2007 when his term in office would end to charge him to court for [[money laundering]]. He was accused of stealing about $9m of public funds and of money laundering.<ref name=Profile/>
During his time as governor, he was arrested in [[London]], [[England]] on 20 January 2004, with large sums of money.<ref name=Profile>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6908960.stm|last=Murray|first=Senan|title=Profile: Joshua Dariye|agency=[[BBC News]]|date=24 July 2007|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Serving governors have immunity from criminal prosecution and the [[Economic and Financial Crimes Commission]] (EFCC), an anti corruption agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria established to check corrupt practices was waiting for 2007 when his term in office would end to charge him to court for [[money laundering]]. He was accused of stealing about $9m of public funds and of money laundering.<ref name=Profile/>


===Impeachment===
===Impeachment and removal from office===
In early October 2006, eight of the twenty-four state assembly members issued an impeachment notice against Dariye. In his defence, he stated that the notice was invalid as the eight did not form a quorum of the assembly as required by the law. A crowd of Dariye's supporters tried to prevent the assembly members from entering the state assembly building. Riot police then fired into the crowd, killing two protestors.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6048286.stm|title= Two protesters killed in Nigeria|access-date=March 11, 2007|date=October 13, 2006|work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>
In early October 2006, eight of the twenty-four state assembly members issued an impeachment notice against Dariye. In his defence, he stated that the notice was invalid as the eight did not form a quorum of the assembly as required by the law. A crowd of Dariye's supporters tried to prevent the assembly members from entering the state assembly building. Riot police then fired into the crowd, killing two protestors.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6048286.stm|title=Two protesters killed in Nigeria|access-date=11 March 2007|date=13 October 2006|agency=BBC News}}</ref>


Dariye was impeached on November 13, 2006. His deputy, [[Michael Botmang]], became the new governor. On March 10, 2007, after a Court of Appeal ordered Dariye reinstated as governor, the [[Plateau State|Plateau State Government]] announced its intention to appeal to the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]].<ref name=tribune>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribune.com.ng/10032007/news/news11.html |title=Dariye: Plateau Govt Appeals Judgement |access-date=March 11, 2007 |date=March 11, 2007 |work=Nigerian Tribune Online |publisher=African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc |archive-date=March 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317004733/http://www.tribune.com.ng/10032007/news/news11.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Dariye was impeached on 13 November 2006. His deputy, [[Michael Botmang]], became the new governor. On 10 March 2007, after a Court of Appeal ordered Dariye reinstated as governor, the [[Plateau State|Plateau State Government]] announced its intention to appeal to the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]].<ref name=tribune>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribune.com.ng/10032007/news/news11.html|title=Dariye: Plateau Govt Appeals Judgement|access-date=11 March 2007|date=11 March 2007|work=[[Nigerian Tribune]]|publisher=African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc|archive-date=17 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317004733/http://www.tribune.com.ng/10032007/news/news11.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On 27 April 2007, the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]] refused the of the [[Plateau State]] Government and ordered the reinstatement of Dariye with immediate effect.<ref name=allafrica.com>{{cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200704280014.html|title=Nigeria: Supreme Court Reinstates Dariye|access-date=May 29, 2007|date=April 28, 2007|work=allafrica.com|publisher=Vanguard Media Ltd}}</ref>
On 27 April 2007, the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]] refused the {{clarify|date=August 2023}} of the [[Plateau State]] Government and ordered the reinstatement of Dariye with immediate effect.<ref name=allafrica.com>{{cite news|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/200704280014.html|title=Nigeria: Supreme Court Reinstates Dariye|access-date=29 May 2007|date=28 April 2007|via=[[allAfrica]]|work=[[Vanguard (Nigeria)|Vanguard]]}}</ref>


Following his reinstatement, Dariye's term of office as Governor of Plateau State concluded on 29 May 2007.<ref name=DailySun>{{cite news|access-date=May 29, 2007 |date=May 18, 2007 |url=http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2007/may/18/national-18-05-2007-04.htm |title=I'll be around on May 29 - Dariye |work=[[The Sun (Nigeria)|The Sun]] |publisher=The Sun Publishing Limited |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929083205/http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2007/may/18/national-18-05-2007-04.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Following his reinstatement, Dariye's term of office as Governor of Plateau State concluded on 29 May 2007.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=29 May 2007|date=18 May 2007|url=http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2007/may/18/national-18-05-2007-04.htm|title=I'll be around on May 29 - Dariye|work=[[The Sun (Nigeria)|The Sun]]|publisher=The Sun Publishing Limited|archive-date=29 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929083205/http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2007/may/18/national-18-05-2007-04.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Senator===
===Senator===
In April 2011, Dariye was elected Senator for [[Plateau Central Senatorial District]] on the [[Labour Party (Nigeria)|Labour Party]] platform. He received 189,140 votes, defeating Dawuda Gowon of the PDP, younger brother of former head of state [[Yakubu Gowon]], who received 160,106 votes.<ref name=Tribune20110429/><ref name=Upholds>{{cite news|title=Election Tribunal Upholds Dariye, Lar, Hassan and Saraki Victories|url=http://www.elombah.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8627%3Aelection-tribunal-upholds-dariye-lar-hassan-and-saraki-victories&catid=3%3Anewsflash&Itemid=67|access-date=March 4, 2013|newspaper=Elombah|date=October 27, 2011}}</ref>
In April 2011, Dariye was elected Senator for [[Plateau Central Senatorial District]] on the [[Labour Party (Nigeria)|Labour Party]] platform. He received 189,140 votes, defeating Dawuda Gowon of the PDP, younger brother of former head of state, [[Yakubu Gowon]], who received 160,106 votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/21187-imo-gov-election-results-not-yet-released-inecyari-wins-zamfara-gov-polljang-floors-deputy-sango-others |title=Imo gov election results not yet released –INEC•Yari wins Zamfara gov poll•Jang floors deputy, Sango, others|work=Nigerian Tribune|last1=Nwachukwu|first1=Joe|last2=Sabiu|first2=Mohammed|last3=Shobayo|first3=Isaac|date=29 April 2011|access-date=2 May 2011|archive-date=2 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502065746/http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/21187-imo-gov-election-results-not-yet-released-inecyari-wins-zamfara-gov-polljang-floors-deputy-sango-others|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Election Tribunal Upholds Dariye, Lar, Hassan and Saraki Victories|url=http://www.elombah.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8627%3Aelection-tribunal-upholds-dariye-lar-hassan-and-saraki-victories&catid=3%3Anewsflash&Itemid=67|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Elombah|date=27 October 2011}} {{Dead link|date=August 2024}}</ref>


On March 28th, 2015, he was re-elected as senator representing Plateau central senatorial district after polling 189,150 votes<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/180235-youth-protest-jangs-senatorial-election-victory-hold-election-officers-hostage.html|title=Youth protest Jang's Senatorial election victory, hold election officers hostage &#124; Premium Times Nigeria|date=30 March 2015}}</ref>
On 28 March 2015, he was re-elected as senator representing Plateau central senatorial district after polling 189,150 votes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/180235-youth-protest-jangs-senatorial-election-victory-hold-election-officers-hostage.html|title=Youth protest Jang's Senatorial election victory, hold election officers hostage|work=Premium Times|date=30 March 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>


== Criminal trial ==
==Criminal trial==
Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, the [[Economic and Financial Crimes Commission]] (EFCC), in 2007, preferred 23 counts of money laundering involving alleged diversion of about N1.126billion Plateau State Government's ecological funds against Dariye.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://www.punchng.com/dariye-diverted-n1-126bn-gave-atikus-firm-n100m-witness/|title = The Punch|date = January 26, 2015|last = Adesomoju|first = Ade|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160126032848/http://www.punchng.com/dariye-diverted-n1-126bn-gave-atikus-firm-n100m-witness/|archive-date = January 26, 2016}}</ref>
Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, the [[Economic and Financial Crimes Commission]] (EFCC), in 2007, filed 23 counts of money laundering charges involving alleged diversion of about N1.126 billion Plateau State Government's ecological funds, against Dariye.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://punchng.com/dariye-diverted-n1-126bn-gave-atikus-firm-n100m-witness/|title=Dariye diverted N1.126bn, gave Atiku's firm N100m – Witness|work=[[The Punch]]|date=26 January 2015|last=Adesomoju|first=Ade|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126032848/https://punchng.com/dariye-diverted-n1-126bn-gave-atikus-firm-n100m-witness/|archive-date=26 January 2016}}</ref>


The charges were filed before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja against Dariye. He pleaded not guilty to the charges following which the trial judge, Justice [[Adebukola Banjoko]], fixed November 13, 2007 for the commencement of trial.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges following which the trial judge, Justice [[Adebukola Banjoko]], fixed 13 November 2007 for the commencement of trial.


But before that date, Dariye filed an application, challenging the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court. He argued that he ought to be tried before a Plateau State High Court and not the FCT High Court.
But before that date, Dariye filed an application, challenging the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court. He argued that he ought to be tried before a Plateau State High Court and not the FCT High Court.


On December 13, 2007, the trial judge heard and dismissed Dariye's application for lacking in merit. Dariye appealed against the ruling of the court. But the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of Justice Banjoko. Dariye subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url = http://thenationonlineng.net/supreme-court-orders-dariye-to-submit-self-for-trial/|title = The Nation|last = Ikhilae|first = Eric|date = 27 February 2015}}</ref>
On 13 December 2007, the trial judge heard and dismissed Dariye's application for lacking in merit. Dariye appealed against the ruling of the court. But the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of Justice Banjoko. Dariye subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/supreme-court-orders-dariye-to-submit-self-for-trial/|title=Supreme Court orders Dariye to submit self for trial|work=[[The Nation (Nigeria)|The Nation]]|last=Ikhilae|first=Eric|date=27 February 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>


But the apex court, on February 27, 2015 dismissed Dariye's appeal and ordered him to submit himself for trial.<ref name=":1" />
But the apex court, on 27 February 2015 dismissed Dariye's appeal and ordered him to submit himself for trial.<ref name=":1"/>


===Trial resumes===
=== Trial resumes === the Supreme Court's judgment delivered on 27 February 2015, the former Plateau State Governor's trial resumed after about nine years of delay on 26 January 2016.<ref name=":0" /> The EFCC called its first prosecution witness, Musa Sunday, who is a detective with the anti-graft agency and who was involved in the investigation of Dariye for the alleged crime. Sunday, during his testimony before Justice Banjoko gave a breakdown of his team's report of investigation revealing how the ecological funds obtained by Dariye, as then governor of Plateau State, was allegedly diverted.<ref name=":0"/>
The Supreme Court's judgment delivered on 27 February 2015, the former Plateau State Governor's trial resumed after about nine years of delay on 26 January 2016.<ref name=":0"/> The EFCC called its first prosecution witness, Musa Sunday, who is a detective with the anti-graft agency and who was involved in the investigation of Dariye for the alleged crime. Sunday, during his testimony before Justice Banjoko gave a breakdown of his team's report of investigation revealing how the ecological funds obtained by Dariye, as then governor of Plateau State, was allegedly diverted.<ref name=":0"/>


===Conviction===
===Conviction===
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Gudu, Abuja, on Tuesday 12th June, 2018 sentenced Dariye to 14 years’ imprisonment on the charges of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds (1.6 billion naira) while he was the Governor of Plateau state. The sentence was then appealed and eventually the Supreme Court gave a final verdict of a 10 years sentence for the offence committed. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://punchng.com/photos-dariye-weeps-as-he-bags-14-year-imprisonment/|title = PHOTOS: Dariye weeps as he bags 14-year imprisonment|date = 13 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/272200-why-judge-jailed-ex-governor-joshua-dariye-for-misappropriating-plateau-funds-details.html|title = Why Judge jailed ex-governor Joshua Dariye for stealing Plateau funds (DETAILS)|date = 13 June 2018}}</ref>
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Gudu, Abuja, on Tuesday 12 June 2018 sentenced Dariye to 14 years’ imprisonment on the charges of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds (1.6 billion naira) while he was the Governor of Plateau state. The sentence was then appealed and eventually, the Supreme Court gave a final verdict of a 10 years sentence for the offence committed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/272200-why-judge-jailed-ex-governor-joshua-dariye-for-misappropriating-plateau-funds-details.html|last=Okakwu|first=Evelyn|title=Why Judge jailed ex-governor Joshua Dariye for stealing Plateau funds (DETAILS)|date=13 June 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://punchng.com/photos-dariye-weeps-as-he-bags-14-year-imprisonment/|title=PHOTOS: Dariye weeps as he bags 14-year imprisonment|last=Oluwagbemi|first=Ayodele|date=13 June 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
<br />


===Reduction of jail term===
===Reduction of jail term===
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Friday 16th November, 2018 reduced the 14-year sentence against Dariye to 10 years’. The presiding judge of the court, Justice Stephen Adah, reduced the charges in the counts to 10 years, while the terms with two years are reduced to one year each. The sentences are to run concurrently. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dailypost.ng/2018/11/16/court-reduces-ex-gov-senator-dariyes-jail-term/|title=Court reduces ex-Gov, Senator Dariye's jail term|date=16 November 2018}}</ref>
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Friday 16 November 2018 reduced the 14-year sentence against Dariye to 10 years. The presiding judge of the court, Justice Stephen Adah, reduced the charges in the counts to 10 years, while the terms with two years are reduced to one year each. The sentences are to run concurrently.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://dailypost.ng/2018/11/16/court-reduces-ex-gov-senator-dariyes-jail-term/|last=Nwachukwu|first=John Owen|title=Court reduces ex-Gov, Senator Dariye's jail term|date=16 November 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>


===Pardon===
===Pardon and release from prison===
On April 14, the federal government of Nigeria granted Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame a presidential pardon. The action was criticised by civil society organisations and the general public. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gazettengr.com/buhari-pardons-dariye-nyame-two-apc-chieftains-jailed-for-multibillion-naira-loot/|title=Buhari pardons Dariye, Nyame, two APC chieftains jailed for multibillion-naira loot|date=15 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/04/withdraw-pardon-for-dariye-nyame-uphold-oath-of-office-serap-tells-buhari/|title=Withdraw pardon for Dariye, Nyame, uphold oath of office, SERAP tells Buhari|date=17 April 2022}}</ref>
On 14 April 2022, the federal government of Nigeria granted presidential pardons to Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, both former governors of Plateau and Taraba, respectively. The action was widely criticised by civil society organisations and the general public.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://gazettengr.com/buhari-pardons-dariye-nyame-two-apc-chieftains-jailed-for-multibillion-naira-loot/|last=Akintade|first=Adefemola|title=Buhari pardons Dariye, Nyame, two APC chieftains jailed for multibillion-naira loot|date=15 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/04/withdraw-pardon-for-dariye-nyame-uphold-oath-of-office-serap-tells-buhari/|title=Withdraw pardon for Dariye, Nyame, uphold oath of office, SERAP tells Buhari|date=17 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://punchng.com/just-in-dariye-nyame-others-released-from-prison/|title=Dariye, Nyame, others released from prison|date=8 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>

=== Released ===
Following pardon approved by the council of state, led by the President, Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had on April 14th.

Now Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, and a former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame, and others have been released from Kuje prison.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://punchng.com/just-in-dariye-nyame-others-released-from-prison/ | title=Dariye, Nyame, others released from prison | date=8 August 2022 }}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Dariye is married to Valentina and together they have four children namely Nanle, Joy, Ebenezer and Ruth.
Dariye is married to Valentina and together they have four children, namely Nanle, Joy, Ebenezer and Ruth.

==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of Governors of Plateau State]]
*[[List of governors of Plateau State]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Reflist}}

<ref name=Tribune20110429>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/21187-imo-gov-election-results-not-yet-released-inecyari-wins-zamfara-gov-polljang-floors-deputy-sango-others |title=Imo gov election results not yet released –INEC•Yari wins Zamfara gov poll•Jang floors deputy, Sango, others |work=Nigerian Tribune |author=Joe Nwachukwu, Mohammed Sabiu and Isaac Shobayo |date=April 29, 2011 |access-date=May 2, 2011 |archive-date=May 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502065746/http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/21187-imo-gov-election-results-not-yet-released-inecyari-wins-zamfara-gov-polljang-floors-deputy-sango-others |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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{{Nigerian state governors 1999-2003 term}}
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[[Category:Members of the Senate (Nigeria)]]
[[Category:Senators of the 8th National Assembly (Nigeria)]]
[[Category:Senators of the 7th National Assembly (Nigeria)]]
[[Category:Plateau State]]
[[Category:Plateau State]]
[[Category:Nigerian politicians convicted of corruption]]
[[Category:Nigerian politicians convicted of corruption]]
[[Category:People from Plateau State]]

Latest revision as of 05:51, 27 November 2024

Joshua Dariye
Senator for Plateau Central
In office
6 June 2011 – 9 June 2019
Preceded bySatty Davies Gogwim
Succeeded byHezekiah Dimka
Governor of Plateau State
In office
27 April 2007 – 29 May 2007
DeputyMichael Botmang
Preceded byMichael Botmang
Succeeded byJonah David Jang
In office
18 November 2004 – 13 November 2006
DeputyMichael Botmang
Preceded byChris Alli
Succeeded byMichael Botmang
In office
29 May 1999 – 18 May 2004
DeputyMichael Botmang
Preceded byMusa Shehu
Succeeded byChris Alli
Personal details
Born
Joshua Chibi Dariye

(1957-07-27) 27 July 1957 (age 67)
Bokkos, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now in Plateau State, Nigeria)
Political partyAll Progressives Congress
Other political
affiliations		Peoples Democratic Party
Labour Party
SpouseValentina Dariye
Children
  • Nanle
  • Joy
  • Ebenezer
  • Ruth
Occupation
  • Politician
  • accountant

Joshua Chibi Dariye (born 27 July 1957) is a Nigerian politician who served as the senator representing the Plateau Central senatorial district from 2011 to 2019. He previously served as the governor of Plateau State from 1999 to 2004; 2004 to 2006; and from April to May 2007.[1]

Background

[edit]

In Horop, Mushere, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. Dariye was a businessman before becoming a politician. He was a strong mobilizer for the election of President Olusegun Obasanjo in the People's Democratic Party Primaries in 1999 as well as Obasanjo's re-election in 2003.[2] At a regional level, he has chaired the Governors' forum of the States in Northern Nigeria.

Political life

[edit]

As Governor

[edit]

During his time as governor, he was arrested in London, England on 20 January 2004, with large sums of money.[3] Serving governors have immunity from criminal prosecution and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an anti corruption agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria established to check corrupt practices was waiting for 2007 when his term in office would end to charge him to court for money laundering. He was accused of stealing about $9m of public funds and of money laundering.[3]

Impeachment and removal from office

[edit]

In early October 2006, eight of the twenty-four state assembly members issued an impeachment notice against Dariye. In his defence, he stated that the notice was invalid as the eight did not form a quorum of the assembly as required by the law. A crowd of Dariye's supporters tried to prevent the assembly members from entering the state assembly building. Riot police then fired into the crowd, killing two protestors.[4]

Dariye was impeached on 13 November 2006. His deputy, Michael Botmang, became the new governor. On 10 March 2007, after a Court of Appeal ordered Dariye reinstated as governor, the Plateau State Government announced its intention to appeal to the Supreme Court.[5]

On 27 April 2007, the Supreme Court refused the [clarification needed] of the Plateau State Government and ordered the reinstatement of Dariye with immediate effect.[6]

Following his reinstatement, Dariye's term of office as Governor of Plateau State concluded on 29 May 2007.[7]

Senator

[edit]

In April 2011, Dariye was elected Senator for Plateau Central Senatorial District on the Labour Party platform. He received 189,140 votes, defeating Dawuda Gowon of the PDP, younger brother of former head of state, Yakubu Gowon, who received 160,106 votes.[8][9]

On 28 March 2015, he was re-elected as senator representing Plateau central senatorial district after polling 189,150 votes.[10]

Criminal trial

[edit]

Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in 2007, filed 23 counts of money laundering charges involving alleged diversion of about N1.126 billion Plateau State Government's ecological funds, against Dariye.[11]

He pleaded not guilty to the charges following which the trial judge, Justice Adebukola Banjoko, fixed 13 November 2007 for the commencement of trial.

But before that date, Dariye filed an application, challenging the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court. He argued that he ought to be tried before a Plateau State High Court and not the FCT High Court.

On 13 December 2007, the trial judge heard and dismissed Dariye's application for lacking in merit. Dariye appealed against the ruling of the court. But the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of Justice Banjoko. Dariye subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court.[12]

But the apex court, on 27 February 2015 dismissed Dariye's appeal and ordered him to submit himself for trial.[12]

Trial resumes

[edit]

The Supreme Court's judgment delivered on 27 February 2015, the former Plateau State Governor's trial resumed after about nine years of delay on 26 January 2016.[11] The EFCC called its first prosecution witness, Musa Sunday, who is a detective with the anti-graft agency and who was involved in the investigation of Dariye for the alleged crime. Sunday, during his testimony before Justice Banjoko gave a breakdown of his team's report of investigation revealing how the ecological funds obtained by Dariye, as then governor of Plateau State, was allegedly diverted.[11]

Conviction

[edit]

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Gudu, Abuja, on Tuesday 12 June 2018 sentenced Dariye to 14 years’ imprisonment on the charges of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds (1.6 billion naira) while he was the Governor of Plateau state. The sentence was then appealed and eventually, the Supreme Court gave a final verdict of a 10 years sentence for the offence committed.[13][14]

Reduction of jail term

[edit]

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Friday 16 November 2018 reduced the 14-year sentence against Dariye to 10 years. The presiding judge of the court, Justice Stephen Adah, reduced the charges in the counts to 10 years, while the terms with two years are reduced to one year each. The sentences are to run concurrently.[15]

Pardon and release from prison

[edit]

On 14 April 2022, the federal government of Nigeria granted presidential pardons to Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, both former governors of Plateau and Taraba, respectively. The action was widely criticised by civil society organisations and the general public.[16][17][18]

Personal life

[edit]

Dariye is married to Valentina and together they have four children, namely Nanle, Joy, Ebenezer and Ruth.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Okakwu, Evelyn (12 June 2018). "Another ex-Nigerian governor convicted of fraud". Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  2. ^ Abidoye, Bisi (14 September 2018). "How Obasanjo's failed third term agenda was funded — New Book". Premium Times. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  3. ^ a b Murray, Senan (24 July 2007). "Profile: Joshua Dariye". BBC News. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Two protesters killed in Nigeria". BBC News. 13 October 2006. Retrieved 11 March 2007.
  5. ^ "Dariye: Plateau Govt Appeals Judgement". Nigerian Tribune. African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc. 11 March 2007. Archived from the original on 17 March 2007. Retrieved 11 March 2007.
  6. ^ "Nigeria: Supreme Court Reinstates Dariye". Vanguard. 28 April 2007. Retrieved 29 May 2007 – via allAfrica.
  7. ^ "I'll be around on May 29 - Dariye". The Sun. The Sun Publishing Limited. 18 May 2007. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 29 May 2007.
  8. ^ Nwachukwu, Joe; Sabiu, Mohammed; Shobayo, Isaac (29 April 2011). "Imo gov election results not yet released –INEC•Yari wins Zamfara gov poll•Jang floors deputy, Sango, others". Nigerian Tribune. Archived from the original on 2 May 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  9. ^ "Election Tribunal Upholds Dariye, Lar, Hassan and Saraki Victories". Elombah. 27 October 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2013. [dead link‍]
  10. ^ "Youth protest Jang's Senatorial election victory, hold election officers hostage". Premium Times. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  11. ^ a b c Adesomoju, Ade (26 January 2015). "Dariye diverted N1.126bn, gave Atiku's firm N100m – Witness". The Punch. Archived from the original on 26 January 2016.
  12. ^ a b Ikhilae, Eric (27 February 2015). "Supreme Court orders Dariye to submit self for trial". The Nation. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  13. ^ Okakwu, Evelyn (13 June 2018). "Why Judge jailed ex-governor Joshua Dariye for stealing Plateau funds (DETAILS)". Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  14. ^ Oluwagbemi, Ayodele (13 June 2018). "PHOTOS: Dariye weeps as he bags 14-year imprisonment". Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  15. ^ Nwachukwu, John Owen (16 November 2018). "Court reduces ex-Gov, Senator Dariye's jail term". Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  16. ^ Akintade, Adefemola (15 April 2022). "Buhari pardons Dariye, Nyame, two APC chieftains jailed for multibillion-naira loot". Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  17. ^ "Withdraw pardon for Dariye, Nyame, uphold oath of office, SERAP tells Buhari". 17 April 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  18. ^ "Dariye, Nyame, others released from prison". 8 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
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