JOS— THE British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Gozney has said the British Government has nothing to do with on-going investigations into alleged financial offences of Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State.
He said this in a letter to the Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Simon Lalong in response to the reply of the House to the Attorney-General of the Federation’s letter on the matter, which was copied to him (Gozney).
The letter reads: “Your correspondence with the Hon.Attorney-General raises an important point which I should clarify about the role of the British Government in relation to Governor Dariye. The British investigation into the governor in connection with possible money laundering offences is being conducted by the Metropolitan Police Service.
“The Metropolitan Police is an autonomous service and its investigations are independent of government. The investigation against Governor Dariye is a police matter. It is therefore, inaccurate to say that the British Government is conducting an investigation or has made allegation against Governor Dariye. I hope this clarifies the position.”
The Speaker confirmed receipt of the letter on Monday during a thank you visit by members of the House to some elders for their role in the restoration of democratic structures to the state. Speaking during the visit, Lalong who described the elders as “democratic elders of Plateau” thanked them for standing by members during the period of their suspension from office, noting that their support assisted in actualizing the restoration of democracy.
He solicited their continued co-operation with and assistance to the House, saying members would count on their counsel in discharging their legislative duties. He said members were embarking on a tour of the state to thank the people for their support as well as preach reconciliation which they saw as key to genuine peace and development. Responding, one of the elders, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande congratulated the members on their return and for remaining steadfast while the struggle lasted, pledging the continued support of the elders for the House.
He alleged that the proponents of the state of emergency were out to destroy the position of Plateau State on the political map of the country, adding that such plans would not succeed if they remained steadfast and united in performing their functions.
