FORMER Taraba State governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame has said he learned a lot while serving a jail term in Kuje Correctional Centre and the hospital.
Rev Nyame was governor of Taraba State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He also served as governor of the state from January 1992 to November 1993. He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
The ex-governor was in May 2018 convicted of misappropriating N1.64 billion from the state’s treasury through shoddy stationery contracts which he awarded at the tail of his eight-year administration that ended in 2007.
It was one of the longest trials that eventually (started in 2007). The conviction earned the former governor the ill repute of being the second governor to be jailed in Nigeria by a court for stealing public funds while in office; after James Ngilari, former governor of Adamawa State was in March 2017 jailed five years for corruption. Mr Ngilari’s conviction was later overturned by the Court of Appeal.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service that took place at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) state secretariat in Jalingo, the state capital, the former governor vowed to emerge as a more capable leader following his incarceration if given a second chance to preside over the affairs of the state.
He declared that the prison experience had bestowed invaluable lessons, shaping him into a better potential leader for the people of Taraba State.
“I learned a lot while in Kuje Prison and the hospital. If given another opportunity to lead the people of Taraba State, I will do better because of the experience I have gained,” Nyame affirmed.
He stressed the significance of faith and resilience, advising leaders to stand strong in the face of challenges.
Nyame, who served only four years of a 14-year sentence, insisted that his imprisonment was politically motivated.
Amidst personal reflections, he delivered a message of hope and unity for Nigerians, emphasizing the importance of prayer and faith in the nation’s future.
In addition to his personal journey, Nyame urged Nigerians to be prudent in their expenses while calling on the government to prioritize policies that enhance citizens’ lives.
On his part, the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Isaiah Magaji Jirapiye, said Nyame’s narrative and commitment to personal growth offer inspiration to those facing challenges, highlighting the potential for reflection, growth, and positive change even in difficult times.
On his personal journey, Nyame urged Nigerians to be prudent in their expenses while calling on the government to prioritize policies that enhance citizens’ lives.
Eighteen-Eleven Media