The Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party’s
(PDP) National Reconciliation Committee, Hon. Seriake Dickson, on Tuesday
described the comments son the submission of his report to the National
Executive of the party as mere propaganda.
Governor Dickson maintained that rather than embark on name-calling,
propaganda and outright lies, it was high time the party came together in
the interest of peace.
The head of the party’s reconciliation committee , stressed that despite
the sacrifices made by him and members of the body, it was unfortunate
that some persons within the party, were making “uncharitable comments” on
the report meant to salvage the party.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the
governor called on everyone who has any idea as to how to take the party
out of the current crisis to proffer their own solutions, instead of
seeking to pull down the little gains that have been made by the
committee.
“My attention has been drawn to series of half truths and litany of lies
being peddled by some leaders, stakeholders and members of our party, the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the recent submission of the
report of the reconciliation committee which I chaired.
“In my usual character, I am not disposed to joining issues with anyone or
group especially on a matter that I think can be settled internally. More
so, when some of the key actors are not sincerely committed to bringing
an end to the festering crisis that has set us back as a party.
Continuing, the PDP chieftain explained that he had never supported the
court-declared Chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, insisting
that since the Appeal Court had recognised him as leader of the party, the
laws had to be obeyed and dialogue to resolve issues.
“First, let me state in clear terms that the ongoing blame game,
name-calling and propaganda will not in any way help us. Rather we are by
such actions de-marketing ourselves and playing into the hands of the All
Progressive Congress (APC) which appears to be the major beneficiary of
the crisis rocking our party.
“ What we should be doing now is to look for an amicable solution to come
out of where we are, rally round ourselves and form a bond like never
before since INEC had released the timetable for the 2019 general
elections.
“Secondly, everyone especially in the PDP governors forum can testify that
I never supported Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as national chairman. I
strongly canvassed against his choice because he was new to our party.
“I felt that we needed a fresh face for a new beginning. But as a democrat
I believe in the plurality of opinions which made me to tag along. Now
with the Appeal Court judgment affirming him as the national chairman, it
is only legal and strategic for all leaders of the party to engage him on
a template such as what we have proposed.
He added: “Our conviction is that the recommendations of the report chief
of which is to hold a national unity convention will finally put an end to
the hydra-headed crisis. It is important to also state that our
recommendations are not cast in stones but at the moment the most likely
way to get us out of where we are.
“Thirdly, I urge all party leaders and members who think they have a
better solution outside what my committee has done to come forward with
it for the interest of our great party. This is important and will help