Makarfi pledges to work with disbanded reconciliation committee members

Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, the Chairman, National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pledged to work with members of the disbanded Standing Reconciliation Committee in rebuilding the party.

Makarfi made the pledge in Abuja on Thursday when he received members of the committee, which was chaired by Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party at its meeting on Tuesday in Abuja dissolved all standing committees, with a decision to set up new ones.

Makarfi said that members of dissolved committees still had roles to play in rebuilding the party, and urged them to brace up to the challenge ahead of 2019 general elections.

He said that the PDP would continue to look up to Dickson and members of the dissolved committee for support and active participation in all meeting and activities.

“You should be ready and prepared whenever the party calls on you to play any role. Feel free to advise me on issues that will help move the party forward.

“Whenever you hear anything that you need clarification on, please get in touch with me, and whenever you feel there is anything you need to advice me on, please feel free to do so.

“If you do not, I will be disappointed. I will also be very free to get in touch with you from time to time,” he said.

The chairman commended the committee members for their great sacrifices and contributions in the reconciliation efforts.

“I want to categorically say that all along it has always been my belief that you have been acting in good faith,” Makarfi said.

He explained that the decision to dissolve the committees was in consideration of Dickson’s suggestions that new hands should be engaged after the Supreme Court judgment.

Makarfi also advised PDP members to take advantage of his “no victory, no vanquished” statement on the Supreme Court verdict, and explained that it referred to everything that happened before the court judgment.

He warned that members should not misuse his position on the outcome of the legal tussle to do anything that would undermine the party.

The chairman pointed out that the Disciplinary Committee to be set up was not to do with the past, saying “it is to do with what will be happening from now”.

Earlier, Dickson had urged the party leadership to further deepen the reconciliation process.

According to him, while the Supreme Court judgement was appreciated by all, it is generally believed that courts do not reconcile but adjudicates.

“It is now the business of party under your leadership to still deepen reconciliation.

“It is your responsibility to build a united, strong party that will be the horse that warriors will ride on to go to political battles,” he said.

Dickson also commended the party leadership for giving the committee members the opportunity to serve, and for considering the committee’s recommendation for a new reconciliation committee.

He also commended the party for the steps and resolutions taken so far after the Supreme Court pronouncement.

“We support the various moves, steps and leadership, and encourage you to do more to rebuild PDP,” he said.