Bayelsa Gov, Dickson Broker Tempoary Ceasefire For Imo PDP (FINAL UPDATE)

BY KEN EMETCHETA, ABUJA

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson yesterday, March 9, 2016 in Abuja brokered what political pundits have described as temporary ceasefire for contending forces and warring camps in Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP

Dickson, who was named Chairman, PDP Peace and Reconciliation Committee for the Imo State chapter of the party by the national chairman, Ali Modu Sherrif, met with key stakeholders of the party at Bayelsa State Governor’s lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

Sherrif had earlier met the Imo PDP leaders on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the Party headquarters.

After extensive and lengthy deliberations, a communique was issued and signed by key players of the party in the State where warring factions in the party resolved to unite and join forces to strengthen the party in Imo State.

 Also, they agreed to ensure that the party win all elections in Imo State especially the March 19, 2016 Imo North Senatorial re run where the party is facing stiff opposition from rival, All Progressive Congress, APC.

Stakeholders also agreed to be loyal to the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party, while also co-operate with the national leadership to hold the forthcoming congress in a free and fair manner in line with the party’s Constitution.

Another “all inclusive leadership” meeting to consolidate on the gains of the Abuja meeting will be held in Owerri under the chairmanship of Governor Dickson.

In his remarks, Gov Dickson thanked the party leaders for the path of peace they have chosen in the overall interest of the party and promised to translate the good news to the party leadership.

The Communique was silent on the existence of the caretaker committee which appears to be the sticking factor tearing party leaders apart in the party. Though the national Chairman, Ali Modu Sherrif was reported to have said that the committee remains, it is unclear if a mere oral pronouncement from the National Chairman on the committee will compel the Senator Hope Uzodinma group to be obedient to the committee.

The Uzodinma is behind the State Executive committee led by Nnamdi Anyaehie which was sacked by the then Uche Secondus led National Working Committee. Anyaehie and co are in Court challenging its sack and the composition of the caretaker committee headed by Vitalis Okafor, a PDP chieftain from Anambra State.

The sacked exco committee is known to be opposed to the caretaker committee mainly populated by men loyal to former Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha.

  

However, the communiqué was signed by former Governors of the State, Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim. Senators Hope Uzodinma, Athan Achonu and Samuel Anyanwu.

Others who signed are former Minister and Ambassador, Dr (Mrs) Kema Chikwe, Senator Chris Anyanwu, all former State Chairmen of the PDP in the State led by I.D Nwoga, South East PDP Chairman, Col Austin Akobundu (retd), etc.