The Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party’s
(PDP) National Reconciliation Committee, Seriake Dickson, on Tuesday
described the comments by the Makarfi faction of the party, on the
submission of his committee’s report as “mere propaganda”.
According to him, rather than embark on name-calling, propaganda and
outright lies, it was high time the party came together in the
interest of peace.
The governor said despite the sacrifices made by members of the
committee, it was unfortunate that some persons within PDP were making
“uncharitable comments” on the report which was meant to salvage the
party.
Mr. Dickson in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel
Iworiso-Markson, called on everyone to proffer their own solutions on
how to salvage the party, instead of seeking to pull down the little
gains that have been made by the committee.
He said, “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.”
Mr. Dickson explained that he had never supported Ali Modu Sheriff,
but said since the Appeal Court had recognised him as leader of the
party, the laws had to be obeyed.
Mr. Dickson said, “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.
“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 preserve the unity of the party”.
