The search for peace in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday continued, with Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake-Dickson mediating between sacked National Chairman Modu Ali Sheriff and Caretaker Committee Chairman Ahmed Makarfi. The two factional leaders are now ready for peace, it was learnt yesterday. Dickson is said to have spoken separately with them.
According to a source, who was privy to the mediation, the two factions were receptive to Dickson’s overtures.
Some of the issues which may define the reconciliation talks are:
• withdrawal of all cases in court by Sheriff and Makarfi and any of their associates/ loyalists;
• convening an enlarged meeting of the two factions, the PDP Governors Forum and the Board of Trustees;
• harmonisation of offices of the Caretaker Committee and Sheriff’s sacked National Working Committee (NWC);
• keeping to the three-month deadline to hold a national convention to elect party leaders; and
• Sheriff’s demand to remain in charge of the party even if he has to step aside later
The source said: “Dickson is making a steady progress. Besides opening talks with the two factions, the governor has met with the godfather of Sheriff and the backers of Makarfi.
