PDP to appease Adeniran, George, Dokpesi, others

The Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee, Seriake Dickson, yesterday, said the committee had commenced contacts with aggrieved aspirants who lost out at last Saturday’s national convention of the party.

Members of the committee include Ambassador Aminu Wali (Deputy Chairman); Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (Secretary) and Senator Joy Emordi. Others are a former Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; a former Minister of Information, Chief John Ode; a former Minister of Environment, Mr. Laurentia Mallam, and a former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Waziri Maina.

Dickson told newsmen in Abuja after a meeting of the committee that they would reach out to a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran; a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Bode George, and the broadcast mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, among others.

George had lashed out at the PDP handlers on the eve of the election for allegedly desecrating the foundation laid by its founding fathers. He thereafter, withdrew from the race saying he had nothing to do with what obtained in the party.

While Adeniran who came second in the contest had walked out of the Eagle Square while counting was ongoing, Dokpesi had earlier described the electoral process as a sham but quickly made a U-turn and congratulated Prince Uche Secondus before dawn.

Dickson said the reconciliation committee would reach out to all, but urged party leaders and members to be careful of their utterances about the conduct and outcome of the convention.

“We have established contacts already with those who are for one reason or the other dissatisfied and who have concerns, issues and grievances.”

Dickson said such developments were normal in an exercise such as a convention.

“All those who purchased forms, all those who actually contested; it is our intention to engage and interact with them to find out what the challenges and issues are with a view to promoting amicable resolution and promoting better understanding within the PDP family.

“We are pleased to announce that our contact with all the major candidates and with all the chairmanship candidates was very positive,” he said.