Garissa Governor Ali Korane addressing the press at the Garissa provincial general hospital. (Photo-The Star)}Garissa governor Ali Korane has dismissed claims that his predecessor Nathif Jama was under pressure to withdraw the petition case challenging his election in the August 8 polls. Commenting on the issue for the first time since elders from his clan struck the deal to have the case withdrawn, Korane said the move gives him time to unite communities that had been deeply divided along political lines followings protracted campaigns. Speaking during this year’s Jamhuri day celebrations held at the Garissa Primary School grounds on Tuesday, Korane commended Nathif for finding it wise to drop the case “I want to personally make it clear that there was no inducement from me or any quarters nor was there any pressure for Nathif to drop the case,” Korane said. “My brother saw it in his own volition and wisdom that the interest of the people overrides his own,” he added. Korane said the petition ‘is now a foregone case and area residents should focus their energy on developing the county’.  Although Nathif has not come out to publicly deny or admit that he had in did withdraw the case, his clan elders who were involved in the negotiation insisted that they had his blessings. Korane, who was addressing his first national celebration since he was elected into office did not, however, say whether he had talks with Nathif in person regarding the same. The governor said that from next week a major conference that will bring together all communities residing in Garissa County whose main agenda is to promote peacebuilding and co-existence will be held. “We want to focus our energy in bringing together all the residents irrespective of their political persuasions. We will bring on board Sultans of major clans, elders, women, clerics, the disabled, youth among others so that we all move in the same direction,” Korane said. The governor further said that he will engage the county assembly to enhance laws that will empower sultans, peace committee members so that they play a major role in dealing with conflicts that have largely contributed to under development.

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