Joseph Ari, the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has denied plans to run for a senatorial seat in Plateau State contrary to reports making rounds and has stated that he will not support any candidate for any position in the upcoming National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also stated that he has never considered running for political office and is instead focused on delivering on the ITF’s objective of improving the nation’s human resources.
The DG stated that he has reported the problem to security personnel, who will arrest anyone found in possession of anything related to the issues highlighted.
Ari made the announcement while briefing journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, to clear the air regarding the claims.
He said, “As journalists, some of you may perhaps, be aware of the activities of unscrupulous elements that are bent on pulling me down.
According to him, “What has come to my attention is that in their desperate attempts, they have printed campaign posters suggesting that I am aspiring for an elective position, and also canvassing support for the aspirations of some candidates that are vying for elective positions in our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in upcoming APC National Convention.
“I have also been reliably informed that these disgruntled elements plot to flood the convention venue with these posters to breed mistrust and disharmony and thereby generate rancour for their own selfish purposes as I have never contemplated and not contemplating on vying for any elective position in the nearest future.
“As I am presently busy and fully engaged with the onerous responsibility of deploying the mandate of the ITF to equip Nigerians with skills for employability and entrepreneurship”, he maintained.
“To this end, the public is, therefore, advised to disregard any campaign poster to the effect that I, Sir Joseph N. Ari, is running for any elective position, or in support of the ambition of any candidate during the upcoming APC convention as it is false, unfounded and not deserving of any attention.
“I have, therefore, reported the matter to the security agencies for their further necessary action”, he warned.
“I have taken the pains to bring what has transpired to the public glare, as it will be difficult to convince anyone after the deed has been done”, Ari stressed.