Jonathan commence reconciliation of aggrieved PDP members
In a move to bring all warring factions in the PDP under the same umbrella following the aftermath of last Saturdays national convention, former President Goodluck Jonathan has led a team of party elders on a visit to some of the aggrieved aspirants in order to reconcile them with the party.
Some of the personalitites in the entourage of the former President were his former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN); a former Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, a former Minister of Finance, Nanadi Usman, Yuguda Usman and King Turner his close ally.
The Daily Times gathered that Jonathan on Monday visited the former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Suleiman Abubakar, in his residence in Abuja.
The visit, which was unscheduled, had the sole purpose of appeasing the former minister and seeking his support for the new National Working Committee of the party led by Prince Uche Secondus.
Suleiman who had contested for the position National Publicity Secretary, had threatened to challenge the outcome of the convention in court, following the omission of his name from the ballot paper, which according to him was tactically employed by the party to skew him out of the race.
A source at the meeting said the former President appealed to him to sheathe his sword and let bygones be bygones.
According to the source, “Jonathan appealed for restraint. He thanked the candidate for his doggedness and passion for the party and pleaded with him to accept the outcome of the election as the wish of God.
“Jonathan was full of praises for Sulaiman, who he admitted apparently remains the most qualified person for the job.
Confirming the visit, Suleiman said he thanked the former President and promised not to go to court.
He said, “Yes, it was true they visited me. I thanked him for the visit and his compassionate posture, that indeed he is a consummate leader worthy of emulation and that he has indeed inspired me more and I promised I would take to his advice.”
It was also gathered that Jonathan will visit the former National Vice Chariman South South Chief Olabode George, Prof. Tunde Adeniran and Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi in continuation of his peace initiatives.
This was part of the strategies employed by the ex-President to maintain his relevance in the party and act as a bridge in times of crises, sustain his relevance and remain a rally point in the party.
