By Abiodun Esan, Ilorin
Senatorial candidate in Kwara North, Dr Kolo Baba Jiya, has said his cash gift to patients on admission at Lema Orthopedic Centre, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara was not targeted at currying political sympathy.
Jiya, who is contesting on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) said this in a statement on Saturday in Ilorin.
Jiya said his visit to the hospital was to assess the condition of the local Orthopedic Centre after which he offered his widow’s mite to the patients.
He said the patients included Assistant Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edu local government, Hajia Fatimah Idris, who was admitted at the centre.
He, therefore, cautioned that the visit should not be misconstrued as politically motivated as being bandied around.
Jiya pointed out that he was at the local health facility to see how he could assist after the assessment.
According to the senatorial candies, the clarification was expedient in view of reports in some online media.
The online reports claimed that that Dr Jiya came to the rescue of the patients, particularly Hajia Fatimah Idris, because of the neglect she suffered from her party where she is an executive member.
The senatorial candidate however said that the intervention was in his characteristic manner to help the less privileged.
He declared that his recent financial support to the patients should not be construed as politically motivated.
Dr Jiya noted that wealthy Nigerians and affluent individuals have a responsibility to assist the downtrodden masses whenever the need arises, irrespective of political or religious learning.
“Our recent visit to Lema Orthopaedic 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.
“We have tenaciously committed ourselves to it because of our belief that it is a worthy adventure.
“Irrespective of faith, ideology and political 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.
Jiya, therefore, appealed to the citizens to cultivate the habit of assisting the people around them as enjoined in the Holy scriptures.
