■ Agree to ceasefire, resolve differences
The meeting called at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan, to meet stakeholders and the seven aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors including Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, ended with both parties agreeing to sheath their swords as genuine reconciliation begins.
The meeting which ended before 11p.m at the First Lady Conference Room in the Presidential Villa, was in continuation of peace moves to resolve the crisis which resulted in the party splitting on August 31st into the “New PDP” while the party’s special convention to elect new officers of the party was ongoing.
Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, surrounded by President Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chairman Board of Trusts of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, governors Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Liyel Imoke, (Cross River) and Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), read the communique, which agreed to the amicable resolution of outstanding issues on the matter which arose after the August 31st, PDP special national convention.
“With a view to resolving the recent crisis in our party and sequel to the number of meetings convened by leaders and stakeholders and the governors of Adamawa, Niger, Rivers, Kwara, Sokoto, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Kano and Rross Rivers state met with the President, the Vice President and the chairman of the Board of Trustees and extensively deliberated on various issue over a three day period. The meetings were cordial and deliberations fruitful with a clear commitments on all sides to resolve all issues raised at the meetings. The meeting also called on all parties to sheath their swords and avoid further inflammatory comments on issues particularly during the course of our deliberations as we have all agreed to resolve all the differences.
“In the interim, all parties have accepted to commence immediate action and agreed towards complete resolution of all matters and continue to meet until all processes toward reconciliation are concluded amicably. “The meeting will continue on Monday 7th October, 2013. We use this opportunity therefore to thank all members of our party and supporters for their patience and understanding as we make sure and ensure that genuine progress towards resolving the differences are met”.
Source: Sun
