PDP govs meet Jonathan, seek political solution to crisis

Former President Goodluck Jonathan
met with governors elected on the
platform of the Peoples Democratic
Party in Abuja on Monday night over
the lingering crisis in the former
ruling party.
The meeting, which started a few
minutes after 6 pm, was held at the
office of the former President located
at Maitama District. It ended at exactly
10 .07 pm .
The governors were led to the meeting
by the chairman of their forum , who is
also the Governor of Ekiti State , Mr.
Ayodele Fayose .
Others governors at the meeting were
Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe ); Okezie
Ikpeazu (Abia); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi );
Seriake Dickson(Bayelsa); Udom
Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom ); Darius
Ishaku (Taraba); Ifeanyi Okowa
(Delta); Ben Ayade (Cross River); and
Ipalibo Baligo (Deputy Governor of
Rivers State ).
At the end of the meeting, Fayose told
reporters that the governors had
decided to find a political solution to
the crisis in the party.
Fayose said , “ It is my pleasure to tell
you that we are here at the instance of
the former President. He is genuinely
concerned by what is going on in the
party. And he thought that an
interactive session with the governors
would go a long way to douse the
tension.
“ One , we want to assure all our
supporters that we believe in this
party. We believe in the success of this
party. We want to appeal to
everybody to be wary of making
statements that could further worsen
the situation .
“ Rather we should make
complimentary statements that can
enhance the party the more. Again, we
know that there are so many matters
before the court . But we believe that
a political solution will go a long way
to solve this matter .”
In his reply , Sheriff told our
correspondent that he was ready to
follow the path of peace as presented
by the governors.
He said there was no way he would
allow the party to die , adding that
anytime the governors call for
meeting, he would be glad to attend.
Sheriff, who spoke through the party’s
National Secretary , Prof . Wale
Oladipo, appealed to all well - meaning
members of the party to watch the
way they speak.
He said , “ It is a good news to hear that
our governors have agreed to find a
political solution to the crisis .
“ We are glad to hear that. This has
always been our position. We are
ready to meet them and discuss . It is
only one party and we won ’ t allow it
to die .
“ Today is significant because this is
what we have been preaching . So , tell
our enemies that we have agreed to
sheathe our swords and work together
in the interest of peace.”