Governors Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state and his Abia state counterpart, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu have disagreed on the peace move announced by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking to State House corespondents on Thursday in Abuja after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, Ikpeazu said the reconciliation move was a good step in the right direction while Fayose dismissed it, saying it is only the Court of Appeal that can resolve the party’s leadership crisis.
Ikpeazu said: “In every crisis there are downsides because nobody will wish and pray for crisis. I think also that moment of crisis are also opportunities for strength, renewed vigor and to reinvent our vision. So, ultimately, I think the PDP has the resilience and what it takes to bounce back as a party.
“There is no doubt that party politics everywhere involves everybody whether you are a founding father or a new member. Political party is built around people and everybody has equal stake. Our interest is Nigeria. Therefore, all strata of people, opinion I think will be put into consideration because they are equally important.
“The important thing is Nigeria and the important thing is democracy. Whether you are a BoT member or a party person, it doesn’t really matter. PDP Governors Forum is not a political party.”
But Fayose said the peace move announced by the two factions would not work unless it’s a ruling of the Court of Appeal, stressing that PDP governors have not been consulted while the cases in court have not been withdrawn.
“That move, you see, I’m not against anything called resolution within the party but everybody must wait for Court of Appeal to resolve this matter. Matters are in court, nobody has withdrawn any matter and they are resolving. What are you resolving?
“When matters are in court you, allow court to lay them to rest. The moment this thing doesn’t go with one side, they will tell you were are still in court. But allow the court to take a stand and reconciliation would be made easy. I’m not against anybody reconciling with each other but when you see that meeting, ask the conveners if governors were briefed,” he said.
On whether the cases in court cannot be withdrawn during reconciliation, the Fayose said: “Let’s wait till then. But my opinion is the Court of Appeal must resolve this matter. When you resolve the matter, you know that I am wrong and I you are right and reconciliation will be made easy.”
