By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara North Senatorial Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr Kolo Baba Jiya, has clarified that his cash gift to patients on admission at Lema Orthopedic Centre, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State was not targeted at currying political sympathy.
Jiya said his visit was to assess the condition of the local Orthopedic Centre after which he offered his widow’s mite to the patients including Assistant Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edu local government, Hajia Fatimah Idris, who was admitted at the centre.
He cautioned that the visit should not be misconstrued as being bandied around, pointing out that he was at the local health facility to see how he could assist after the assessment.
The clarification was amid reports in some online media that Dr Jiya came to the rescue of the patients and particularly Hajia Fatimah Idris, because of the neglect she suffered from her party where she is an executive member.
In a statement issued in Ilorin, the NNPP Kwara North senatorial candidate said the intervention was in his characteristic manner to help the less privileged and the recent support he offered at the health facility should not be viewed within the context of politics.
Dr Jiya noted that the wealthy Nigerians and well to do individuals have a responsibility to assist the downtrodden masses whenever the need arises irrespective of political or religious leaning.
“Our recent visit to Lema Orthopedic Centre, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, during which we offered support to patients on admission, seems to have been misconstrued, especially with what is being bandied around in the polity.
“Our widow’s mite to the patients at the health centre was devoid of political motive and not targeted at currying sympathy of people from any quarters.
“As patriotic citizens, we have a responsibility to cater for and help the less privileged whenever the need arises and we have tenaciously committed ourselves to it because of our belief that it is a worthy adventure.
“Irrespective of faith, ideology and politcal leaning of whoever in need of help, we have to demonstrate the humanity in us at all times. That some people don’t share our ideological and religious belief should not be the reason to deny them help when we are capable of rendering it”, he said.
Dr Jiya appealed to the citizens to cultivate the habit of assisting the people around them as enjoined in the holy scriptures.
Ends
