PDP crisis: Dickson hails inauguration of committee, seeks reconciliation
Ajigi Olatomiwa
Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson has described the setting up and immediate inauguration of a seven-member National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a good development.
According to him, such was a right step towards repositioning the party for the 2019 general elections.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said he spoke journalists in in Port Harcourt, shortly after the PDP National Convention, where he expressed hope that, the development would foster greater understanding and true reconciliation within the party.
While thanking leaders and delegates of the party, and particularly the Governor Nyesom Wike-led Convention Planning Committee, Dickson urged the caretaker committee to immediately put in place measures to reconcile all aggrieved members of the PDP.
The governor described the task of reconciliation as a shared responsibility and absolutely necessary at this period in the history of the party.
He called on all stakeholders, including the governors elected on the platform of the PDP to join hands with the committee to drive the process of reconciliation and unity.
The committee, which is mandated to conduct a fresh convention within 90 days of its inauguration, beginning from Saturday 21st May, 2016, is headed by former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi with a one-time Presidential Adviser, Sen. Ben Obi from Anambra State as its Secretary.
While Sen. Odion Obozia, Sen. Abdul Ningi, Alhaji Kabir Usman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye and Mrs Aisha Aliyu are to serve as members.
Expectedly, the setting up and inauguration of the National Caretaker Committee was preceded by a motion for the dissolution of all existing national offices and committees by the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Austin Opara and seconded by his successor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
Moving a motion for the appointment of the Makarfi-led committee, Senate Minority leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, explained that the decision was taken to promote peace, harmony and reconciliation to stem the tide of disaffection within the PDP.
The motion, which was seconded by Gombe State Governor, Dr. Hassan Dankwambo, also bared the Chairman, Secretary and members of the committee from contesting for any office at the forthcoming national convention.
Also, a motion setting aside the zoning policy of the PDP of its national offices as previously approved by its National Executive Council (NEC), on the one hand, and zoning of the party’s presidential candidate and candidature on the other hand, was sponsored by former Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu and Delta State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa.
Earlier in a welcome address, Nyesom Wike expressed delight at the massive turnout of PDP leaders and delegates for the event, describing it as a clear demonstration that the PDP still remains one big, strong and united party.
Also speaking, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko noted that, the happenings in the country in the last one year have shown that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could not provide half of the people-oriented leadership the PDP offered, especially in terms of managing the national economy and security.
Other Chieftains of the party who delivered goodwill messages at the convention, include the immediate past Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Board of Trustees Chairman, Sen. Waheed Jibrin, former Senate President, Sen. David Mark and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.
